N.Z. INCOME TAX

Grey River Argus, 22 September 1945, Page 3

N.Z. INCOME TAX

PLAN TO CATCH EVADERS

WELLINGTON, Sept. 21.

Speaking in the estimates debate on the Land and Income Tax Denartment to-day, Mr T. . C. Webb (Nat., Kaipaira) commended the Minister for his policy of decentralisation. He said this was a step in the right, direction, which would repay handsomely the cost entailed. Mr Nash said there would be an amendment to the Land and Income Tax Bill this year, which, when brought down, would explain and disclose the Government’s proposals and policy concerning excess profits tax. He went on to say that the number of income tax inspectors had been increased. It was unfair that honest people had to pay taxation for dishonest ones. Mr Nash, said the names of tax defaulters were published in Australia, and it was proposed to do the same in New Zealand. Mr. W. S. Goosman (Nat. Waikato) asked: Would the names of any people who could not pay income tax be published. Mr. Nash said they were not the people aimed at. It was not a case of naming honest people, or those who could not pay, but the names of those who had beaten the Government. He thought there was a case for publishing the names of those who failed to pay their taxes through making incorrect returns. Lack of staff in the Income Tax Department mean the loss of two millions a year.