Computer Consultant Fined for Tax Evasion

NEWMARKET, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Dec. 4, 2012) - The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) announced today that Yusuff Gafur of Richmond Hill pleaded guilty on November 30, 2012, in the Ontario Court of Justice in Newmarket, to one count of fraud over $5,000. He was fined $62,500.

A CRA investigation revealed that Yusuff Gafur, a computer consultant, provided information technology services to a third party during 2007. A review of Mr. Gafur's personal 2007 income tax return discovered that he failed to declare $253,760 in net income earned from these consulting fees. As a result he evaded $69,629 in federal taxes.

The preceding information was obtained from the court records.

"The Canada Revenue Agency pursues tax evaders to maintain public confidence in the integrity of the tax system," said Darrell Mahoney, Assistant Commissioner, Ontario Region, of the Canada Revenue Agency. "Canadians have to trust that our self-assessment system is working and that it is fair."

Taxpayers who claim false expenses, credits or rebates from the government are subject to serious consequences. They are liable not only for corrections to their tax returns and payment of the full amount of tax owing, but also to penalties and interest. In addition, if convicted of tax evasion, the court may fine them up to 200% of the tax evaded and sentence them for up to a five-year jail term.

Taxpayers who have not filed returns for previous years, or who have not reported all of their income, can still voluntarily correct their tax affairs. They may not be penalized or prosecuted if they make a valid disclosure before they become aware of any compliance action being initiated by the CRA against them. These taxpayers may only have to pay the taxes owing, plus interest. More information on the Voluntary Disclosures Program (VDP) can be found on the CRA's website at www.cra.gc.ca/voluntarydisclosures.

Further information on convictions can also be found in the Media Room on the CRA website at www.cra.gc.ca/convictions.