Accounting for a hefty jail sentence

Over a period of three years, Craig William Morrissey submitted eight quarterly BAS and six annual income tax returns, resulting in the avoidance of over $2.8 million in GST and income tax.

The Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO) sophisticated data analytics flagged Mr Morrissey for an audit. Further analysis concluded that the declared amounts of total sales, non-capital purchases, and GST liabilities were all false.

Assistant Commissioner Jade Hawkins stated that this sentence sends a message to all accountants and agents considering this offending.

“The action wasn’t accidental or a one-off. As a tax professional, Mr Morrisey knew the rules and deliberately chose to avoid them for his own financial gain. The severity of this sentence underlines the importance of maintaining the integrity of the taxation system,” Ms Hawkins said.

The ATO shares an interest in protecting the community and the integrity of Australia’s tax and super system with registered agents, the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB), and tax professional associations.

“We expect tax practitioners to maintain high levels of professionalism and standards, including their own tax affairs, as these are the people that Australians entrust to advise and support them,” Ms Hawkins said.

“Tax professionals should be setting the benchmark — they play an integral role in supporting the tax and super systems for all Australians. To the small number of tax professionals who don’t follow the rules, know that we will take action against you.”

You can anonymously report tax evasion and crime activities by completing a tip-off form on our website or by calling 1800 060 062.

If you are concerned about the conduct of a tax practitioner, you can report them to the Tax Practitioners Board at tpb.gov.au/make-complaint

This matter was prosecuted by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.