TAX PRACTITIONER WHO FAILED TO SUBMIT TAX RETURNS FINED

WESTERN CAPE – An Accountant from Mossel bay who for four years failed to submit his personal income tax returns was sentenced on Tuesday by the Mossel bay District Court.

Following a plea agreement with the state, Ernest Michael looch (74), was ordered to pay the state an amount of R16 000 in restitution as part of his sentence. Charges against Looch were failure to submit his personal income tax return for the four year period of 2013 to 2016 tax year.

The court said, Looch should have known better as an expert in the field, he knows that all taxpayers have a legal duty to submit their tax returns and to pay their taxes that are due. “Failing to do so, harms all” the court order read.