Two Year Sentence Announced By ATO For GST Fraud

by Philip Morton, Investors Offshore.com

27 November 2007

The Australian Taxation Office announced on Monday that a fraudulent businessman has been sentenced to 24 months imprisonment by Newcastle District Court after being found guilty of activity statement fraud to the sum of $111,097.

Craig Keith Phillips, 30, pleaded guilty to 11 charges relating to obtaining a financial advantage by deception.

According to the ATO, between October 2000 and September 2001, Phillips created three businesses to lodge 11 false activity statements, resulting in GST refunds of $111,097 being paid. An attempt to claim a further $39,424 was stopped following Tax Office investigations.

In sentencing Phillips, the presiding judge observed that fraud is a very serious offence indeed, continuing: “However, it is considered even more serious when the fraud is against the Tax Office and is sophisticated in nature.”

Tax Commissioner Michael D’Ascenzo stated this week that the courts deal firmly with those who commit tax fraud.

“To ensure that the tax system is fair for everybody we are working hard to detect and deter serious tax fraud,” Mr D’Ascenzo explained.

A reparation order for $111,097 was made, with Phillips to serve a minimum of 15 months jail before being eligible for parole.

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