A Queensland woman will spend at least 20 months behind bars after trying to fraudulently claim more than $650,000 worth of GST refunds.
Amanda Burman was sentenced in Brisbane’s District Court, having managed to steal more than $150,000 in GST using ABNs not linked to active businesses.
She tried to claim nearly $500,000 more, but was rejected when the Australian Taxation Office realised during audits she failed to prove she was running a business.
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After her GST registrations were cancelled, she kept making fictitious claims – still without any evidence she was running a business, the ATO said.
Burman used ABNs registered in her name to claim GST input tax credits for several years, the office said.
“Deliberately trying to get more than you’re entitled to, is a crime” Assistant Commissioner Jade Hawkins said.
“When you claim a refund you’re not entitled to, you’re stealing from the community and disadvantaging everyone who does the right thing; it’s not fair and it’s not OK.
“This result confirms the courts will punish those who engage in GST fraud heavily.”
The ATO had sophisticated systems to detect people who falsely claimed GST, and Burman’s sentencing was a reminder of its focus on catching offenders, the office said.
Burman was sentenced to five years in prison with a non-parole period of 20 months for attempting to fraudulently claim the GST, along with other offences.
She was also ordered to pay back the money she falsely claimed.