The Disciplinary Tribunal of the Institute of Chartered Accountants has removed an Accountant’s name from the register after he was convicted of tax evasion in the High Court.

The Accountant was found guilty of nine charges of misleading the IRD by providing false information with the intention of evading assessment or payment of tax.

The Court sentenced the Accountant to three years and three months imprisonment.

Since the Accountant was convicted, the Professional Conduct Committee brought a charge that the conviction reflected adversely on the Accountant’s fitness to practice, and brought the profession into disrepute.

When coming to its decision, the Tribunal took into account the High Court Justice’s comments describing the Accountant as the architect of the tax evasion scheme, and that he lacked remorse.

The Tribunal ordered the Accountant’s name to be removed from the Institute of Chartered Accountants Register.

Additionally, the Tribunal ordered the Accountant to pay the full costs of the process, totaling over $9,300.

It is important for Accountants to remember that conviction of a criminal offence may not be the final consequence of their actions. The Disciplinary Tribunal may decide that additional discipline is warranted, and that the practitioner pays the full cost of that process.

If allegations have been made that may result in a charge by the Professional Conduct Committee, it pays to speak with a professional experienced in the area.

Leading law firms committed to helping clients cost-effectively will have a range of fixed-priced Initial Consultations to suit most people’s needs in quickly learning what their options are.  At Rainey Collins we have an experienced team who can answer your questions and put you on the right track.