Is lying on your tax returns a crime?

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Lodging inaccurate or dishonest tax returns or business activity statements with the Australian Taxation Office is a criminal offence warranting serious penalties ranging from 1 to 10 years imprisonment and heavy fines. These are also considered a type of white collar crime.

For more on tax fraud laws, speak to our tax fraud lawyers. This article is not to be taken as legal advice.

WHO PROSECUTES TAX EVASION OR LYING ON TAX RETURNS IN AUSTRALIA?

The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions ('CDPP') prosecutes taxation fraud matters, which are referred to them by the Australian Taxation Office ('ATO').

Whilst the ATO is able to prosecute straight-forward regulatory offences under taxation legislation, defended or more serious matters will most often be referred to the CDPP.