Auckland tradie sentenced after turning down helping hand

19 March 2015

A self-employed painter from Castor Bay who ripped off taxpayers by deliberately not paying his fair share of tax has been ordered to pay up.

David James Elliott, 44, stole almost $69,000 and was sentenced to six months community detention, 200 hours of community work and must pay back the full amount of tax he owes.

Inland Revenue’s Investigations and Advice Manager, Lynley Sutherland, said Elliot refused all help from Inland Revenue.

“Elliott was uncooperative throughout the audit process,” said Ms Sutherland. “He refused to meet with our auditors and didn’t provide any of the information we requested. Our Community Compliance staff can help anyone get their tax affairs in order prior to an audit, but Elliot had also turned down this offer of assistance,” she said.

Elliott pleaded guilty to 27 tax evasion charges at North Shore District Court.

“This fraudster consistently evaded tax by charging GST despite not being registered and not filing relevant GST and income tax returns,” said Ms Sutherland.

“Elliot’s actions are totally unfair. He stole from all New Zealanders by pocketing the money that pays for schools, roads and hospitals. It’s simple; tax evasion is a serious crime and impacts everyone.

“This case is another reminder to all tradies and those who work in the building and construction industry to get their tax affairs sorted. Our information gathering and systems are making tax evasion hard to get away with,” Ms Sutherland said.

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