TAX PROSECUTIONS

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 95, 16 January 1943, Page 6

TAX PROSECUTIONS

A fine of £2O was imposed in the Magistrates' Court. Wellington, yesterday, by Mr. Colliding, S.M., on William John I’ruuse. Wellington, architect, for failing to send in a tax return for the year ended Mareh 31. 1942. Dr. N. A. Foden, who appeared for the Commissioner of Taxes, stated that no return of income had been sent in since 1932. As a business man defendant must have been aware of his obligation. Mr F W. Ongley. who appeared on behalf of defendant, said that his client was a member of a company. As he had been assessed on the basis of salary returns sent in by the company, he was under the impression that no further return was required. In fixing the penalty, lhe magistrate said that this was another ease of a taxpayer who must have known that he was required to furnish returns, 'lhe department exercised lhe greatest restraint: tn bringing cases of this kind, but some taxpayers went: on year alter year without, making returns or |>aying tax. whereas if returns had been furnished they would liave I liable. The magistrate remarked that such taxpayers caused the deoartnieul a tremendous amount of additional work, bv the issue ol default assessments. , , ~ , Harold William t.ledstone. described as an insurance agenl. was fined £3 on each of two charges. Dr. !■ oden indicated Hint Gladstone had not furnished a return since 1935. but counsel for delendant. assured the magistrate that by reason of exemptions to which he was entithd Gladstone would not be liable lor vei.v "’"'t understood that further cases are pc nd i ng. .