Doctor jailed over tax dodge

A Western Australian doctor has been sentenced to seven months’ jail for failing to comply with court orders to lodge 18 outstanding income tax returns and business activity statements.

Iain Russell was convicted for failing to provide the outstanding documents to the Commissioner of Taxation at the Perth Magistrates Court in February 2020, and was fined $50,000.

The Australian Taxation Office released a statement today confirming Russell failed to lodge income tax returns for the 2013 to 2017 income years.

He also did not lodge his business activity statements between May 2017 and June 2018.

Orders were made during sentencing for Russell to make the outstanding lodgments within two months.

However, he failed to lodge again and was prosecuted by the Commonwealth director of public prosecutions.

Russell was convicted of 18 charges of failing or refusing to comply with court orders and sentenced to seven months’ jail on April 11.

He will be released after two months after entering into a $10,000 recognisance to be on good behaviour for the rest of his sentence.

Part of his good behaviour bond include lodging each of the outstanding tax returns and statements by September 30.

Acting ATO assistant commissioner David Mendoza said the decision to prosecute was not taken lightly.

“Our focus is on supporting those who are doing the right thing, and we know this is most people. If you’re falling behind on your obligations or have made an honest mistake, we will work with you to find a solution and get you back on track,” he said.

“However, where people continue to do the wrong thing or refuse to engage with us, we will initiate stronger action.”