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Taxation Law FAQ - Is It Worth Repaying The ATO?

Date: July 13, 2011

Q.  Although I am currently being investigated by the Australian Taxation Office fortunately I have the money to pay them and I am being advised by my accountant that if do so that this will be of great assistance to me.  Is this correct?

A.  It is always helpful to be able to pay your back tax.  That is not the issue.  The issue is whether or not you are involved in tax evasion or tax avoidance.  If you are involved in tax evasion the simply fact that you pay the penalties and interest does not prevent the ATO from referring you for criminal prosecution.  One of the best cases in point is the Ronan matter in which the Ronans paid the penalties and the court made the point that where penalties have been paid this is not to be taken in mitigation of sentence as both the tax and the penalties would have to have been paid in any event.  Anybody who is in this situation should seek proper legal advice from a tax lawyer.

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