Dodgy tax agent lands himself 20 months jail for stealing $180,000
A Mount Druitt-based fraudulent tax agent has been sentenced to 20 months behind bars after attempting to scam $180,000 from the Commonwealth.
Hussain Nazeer was sentenced at the Sydney District Court on Friday 4 September for lodging fake income tax returns and amendments behind his clients’ backs.
He pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay $179,826 in reparation, on on top of his jail sentence.
Nazeer took honest information given to him by his clients and filed 22 fake tax returns for 14 clients between 2010 and 2013, and kept $23,000 for himself.
Not only that, but he faked 108 tax refunds of 37 people who had no idea he was doing so, and in this way swindled $156,000 for himself.
Nazeer was a former Business Activity Statement (BAS) agent. ATO assistant commissioner Adam Kendrick said BAS and tax agents should play a vital role in protecting the integrity of Australia’s tax systems.
“The majority of registered agents do the right thing, but unfortunately there are some agents who take advantage of their trusted position for financial benefit,” he said.
“As demonstrated in today’s case, even registered tax professionals can be dishonest and take advantage of their clients. That is why it’s important for the ATO to maintain the integrity of the tax profession and weed out those who try to undermine their trusted position.”
“Mr Nazeer’s actions showed a complete disregard for not only the law, but also his clients’ trust by lodging fraudulent tax returns and amendments in their names.”
If you suspect a tax agent of fradulent activity, you can report them to the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) at tpb.gov.au/make-complaint.
You can also report tax evasion to the ATO through their website or on 1800 060 062.
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