A freelance quantity surveyor who didn’t pay any income tax sentenced to two and a half years.
A freelance quantity surveyor who didn’t pay any income tax or national insurance for 20 years but chose to splash cash on property instead of paying nearly £260,000 to the tax office, has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison.
Despite earning almost £1m whilst working as a freelance quantity surveyor, John Powel made the decision not to declare his earnings.
Some of his hidden cash was used to purchase some property on the French Riviera in Antibes.
Powell worked as a quantity surveyor, mainly on new building complexes in both the UK and overseas.
At Birmingham Crown Court, Powell, who had previously admitted cheating the public revenue, was jailed for tax evasion by Judge Paul Thomas QC.
Richard Meadows, from HMRC, said: “This fraud was all about enhancing Powell’s lifestyle. It is not acceptable to exploit the UK tax system at the expense of others who pay what is due.
He warned: “We are investing more resources than ever in investigating those involved in this type of criminality.”
Helen Christopher, Operations Director of Genie Accountancy commented:
“This is yet another case that shows you may think that you can get away with cheating the tax man but he will always catch up you in the end. Freelancer’s are always better advised to find a specialist accountant who will be able to help them minimise their tax liability - while staying firmly within HMRC guidelines”.
For more information about our specialist services please email admin@orangegenie.co.uk
