The Dunedin District Court sentenced a Gore based dentist to five months home detention on May 2 on proven charges of tax evasion and fraud.
Ian James Bloxham had to answer 22 charges, seven of which included failing to account PAYE and 12 charges relating to GST violations.
The Court also convicted him on three charges of filing false Income Tax Returns.
The Court heard that Inland Revenue Department (IRD) contacted Mr Bloxham in 2001 to provide advice on his requirements. An investigation commenced two years later since he failed to file GST returns and PAYE schedules on time.
IRD Investigations Manager Lynley Sutherland said that the defendant’s actions were deliberate and calculated.
“Mr Bloxham was aware of his obligations as a Company Director and yet he tried to avoid complying with the tax rules,” she said.
Ms Sutherland said the defendant subsequently acknowledged having employed a receptionist, but did not meet his PAYE obligations.
“He consistently filed false tax returns for almost two years,” she said.
According to her, Mr Bloxham’s tax affairs were made difficult by his failure to keep scheduled appointments, not returning phone calls, not forwarding financial records and failing to maintain proper financial records.
“Mr Bloxham deliberately intended to evade meeting his tax requirements. The verdict demonstrates the consequences of not filing tax returns. This case also illustrates that there is a cost to taxpayers who meet their obligations when others deliberately try to cheat the system,” Ms Sutherland said.
