Jail for unregistered tax agent
Printable version
Media Release - Nat 04/032

An unregistered tax agent has been jailed for 2½ years in the Beenleigh District Court today for tax fraud of almost $110,000.

Leafaitulagi Matauaina, 37, of the southern Brisbane suburb of Woodridge, pleaded guilty to two charges related to tax fraud of $109,566.

She was ordered to repay $76,203, the total amount of tax refunds paid into her own bank account.

District Court Judge Phillip Nase said offences against the tax laws, where large sums of money are involved, are viewed very seriously.

"These offences were aggravated in that she continued to prepare returns after being spoken to by investigators," Justice Nase said.

In 2000 and 2001, Ms Matauaina submitted tax returns containing false information to get larger refunds for clients than they were entitled to.

Ms Matauaina was identified using data matching techniques and spoken to by Tax Office investigators in 2001. A further audit revealed she continued to prepare false tax returns in the 2001 year.

Tax Office Second Commissioner Jennie Granger said it is illegal for people to prepare tax returns if they are not registered as tax agents.

"People need to be fully aware of the risks of using unregistered tax agents, including possible penalties and prosecutions," Ms Granger said.

"Taxpayers are responsible for the information in their tax return and should not sign blank return forms or allow returns to be lodged before checking the contents."

You can check whether a tax agent is registered by calling the Tax Agents' Board on 1300 362 829 or by searching their website at www.tabd.gov.au

Ms Matauaina will have to serve five months before being released on a three-year good behaviour bond.

CANBERRA
14 May 2004

Last Modified: Friday, 14 May 2004

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