A couple who didn't file any tax returns for six years were sentenced in Westport District Court today.
Dairy farmers Lorna and Darryn Heal of Karamea each pleaded guilty to 59 offences against the Tax Administration Act, for failing to file any returns between 2005 and 2010.
Defending, Shannon Hollis said the pair worked 12 hours a day, seven days a week on their farm.
They had both suffered ill health in the past five years, including more than one heart attack for Mrs Heal, 48, and an immobilising back injury for Mr Heal, 46.
When their former accountant wouldn't disclose tax files to their new accountant, they simply didn't have time to chase the them up, said Ms Hollis.
The former accountant, who lives in the North Island, still hadn't released all the files.
However, all the outstanding returns had now been filed and a third of the fees had been paid.
Money for the core tax was sitting in an account waiting for the outcome of the hearing.
Ms Hollis asked for credit for early guilty pleas and no previous convictions.
Judge Phil Moran said the maximum fine for each offence was $4000.
However, there had been no criminality involved, just neglect.
He sentenced Mr Heal, as one half of the partnership to pay a fine of $5300 at $100 per week. Mrs Heal was convicted and discharged.
- Westport News
