Tax evasion figure

Press, 13 December 1982, Page 2

Tax evasion figure

PA Wellington Tax inspectors have collected an extra $29.5 million in the first six months of the current financial year, according to the Commissioner of Inland Revenue. Mr J. Simcock. He said the figure, revealed after investigations by tax officers, confirmed that tax evasion was still a matter of serious concern. Anti-evasion activities would continue to be a high priority for the department. Mr Simcock said. In the same period last year the department collected an extra $19.4M in undisclosed taxes. Penalties for tax evasion can include a fine of up to $2OOO for each offence, additional substantial penal tax and the publication of names of tax evaders in the "New Zealand Gazette." The only exceptions are for those who make voluntary disclosures. Mr Simcock said if any tax evader wanted to "come in out of the cold." he or she needed only to contact the local district commissioner. "It isn't easy for an evader to do this, but if he is prepared to come in we are ready to listen and deal with him on these terms." Mr Simcock said.