EVASION OF SALES TAX

Southland Times, Issue 23538, 18 June 1938, Page 8

EVASION OF SALES TAX

COMPANY MANAGER FINED (United Press Association) AUCKLAND, June 17. Two summons charges of making declarations of sales tax which were erroneous in certain particulars in relation to non-taxable goods sold during September and October were admitted by Robert Marshall, director of an Auckland company, before Mr C. R. Orr Walker, S.M., today. The prosecuting counsel said that in one case Marshall showed non-taxable goods as £338, whereas they should have been £152, and in the following month he showed them as £1022, whereas they should have been £269. The goods were described as wire cordage and coffin trimmings, and the tax evasions amounted to £9 and £37 respectively. The tax due had since been paid. The defending counsel said Marshall, on a small salary, had obtained no personal benefit. He had foolishly conceived the idea of postponing or spreading the demands due over a longer period than September and October in view of having to pay large Customs duties on goods expected in December. He had lost all he had put into the business, which was now in liquidation. On each of the charges the magistrate imposed the minimum fine of £25 and costs.