A former tax agent has been sentenced to 5 years in jail, with a non-parole period of 3 years, for obtaining financial advantage by deception and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime.
Gavin Swan fraudulently obtained almost $600,000 from 127 clients through his position as Principal Accountant at Absolute Accounting on the Central Coast, NSW. Mr Swan was ordered to make reparation to all of his victims.
Assistant Commissioner Jade Hawkins condemned the behaviour and hoped it served as a warning to others.
‘Mr Swan was in a position of trust within the community, and he exploited it,’ Ms Hawkins.
‘Tax professionals play an integral role in supporting the tax and super systems and we, alongside the Tax Practitioners Board, will take action against those who threaten the integrity of the system.’
Mr Swan’s offending included redirecting his client’s funds to his personal bank account from submitting tax return amendments, COVID-19 JobKeeper payments, and Cash Flow Boost for Employers.
As a result of his behaviour, Mr Swan was deregistered by the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) in September 2022 for breaching the Tax Agent Service Act 2009.
‘Registered agents, tax professional associations and the TPB are working together to hold dishonest tax agents accountable, protect the community and the integrity of Australia’s tax and super system,’ Ms Hawkins said.
‘Tax agents who do not meet professional standards are gaining unfair advantage over others who do the right thing.’
You can help us stop suspected tax crime or shadow economy activity by making an anonymous tip-off online or 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 https://www.tpb.gov.au/make-complaint.
Contact details:
mediaunit@ato.gov.au | 02 6216 1901