13 July 2012, St John’s Antigua –There’s indication from government that historic prosecution of the crime of tax evasion is in the making.
Government’s Project Manager of Revenue Reform Administration Everette Christian says it’s an open secret that tax evasion is widespread and has gone unpunished for decades.
He says the Inland Revenue department is getting set to make an example of some offenders.
Listen:
Despite Christian’s concerns, he’s expecting the culture change to be painfully slow.
He says government is mindful that secrecy is held in high regard by taxpayers, whether they’re individuals or companies, and that tax administrators must proceed with caution.
Listen:
Christian says that the Inland Revenue department is fully aware that it has the power to punish those who do not cooperate but is treading carefully since the practise has been so long entrenched.
He describes $300 million as a conservative estimate of what is lost annually through tax evasion.
