Friday 17th August 2012 |
Text too small? |
Tax advisers Barrie Skinner and David Rowley were jailed in the High Court in Wellington after being found guilty of reaping $2 million from their fraudulent schemes.
The Inland Revenue Department welcomed Skinner's eight-and-a-half year jail term and Rowley's eight-year sentence, after the sentencing in Wellington today. The pair were convicted of filing fraudulent tax returns on behalf of their clients where they claimed fake expenses in excess of $9 million, and were also found guilty of attempting to pervert the course of justice.
"This sentence shows that Inland Revenue and the courts view such offending very seriously," Patrick Goggin, IRD group manager assurance, said in a statement. "Advisers need to take care when advising clients who are under investigation and Skinner and Rowley crossed the line by coaching their clients to lie to Inland Revenue."
The pair filed false income tax and GST returns on behalf of their clients through the agency, Tax Planning Services, for goods and services that were never provided, meaning their clients paid an invoice for the claim but received the bulk of the payment back. The net result reduced their clients' tax liability, and left Skinner and Rowley to pocket the difference.
BusinessDesk.co.nz
No comments yet
PaySauce Quarterly Market Update - September 2024
October 2nd Morning Report
Rua Releases Annual Report for Year Ended 30 June 2024
SCL - Settlement of orchard sales
The Warehouse Group 2024 ASM and Director Nominations
AIR - Update on Chief Operational Integrity and Safety Officer
Comvita Limited - Annual Report 2024
September 27th Morning Report
Spark announces departure of Finance Director
FBU - Retail Entitlement Offer Opens