ATO prosecutes 2,000 for tax and super offences in 2011-12

by Jessica Tu

The Commissioner has announced that the ATO had successfully prosecuted around 2,000 individuals and companies for fraud, tax and super offences in the 2011-12 financial year. Of the individuals and companies prosecuted, Mr D'Ascenzo said:

• 39 individuals were prosecuted for offences including attempting to hide income and assets overseas, and individuals using stolen identities to submit false BASs. 37 custodial sentences were handed down by the Courts, ranging from fully suspended to 9 year imprisonment (this included 8 individuals who received sentences under Project Wickenby).
• 1,447 individuals and 514 companies were prosecuted for taxation offences including failing to lodge returns, making false and misleading statements on tax returns and activity statements. For the offences, the Court imposed sanctions compromising reparation orders, fines and other penalties.