Toronto tax preparer fined for tax evasion

Toronto, Ontario, January 14, 2013 … The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) announced today that on January 8, 2013, Joseph Wijeyesekere of North York, Ontario, pleaded guilty in the Ontario Court of Justice in Toronto, Ontario to four counts of tax evasion. A fine of $21,027.50 was imposed by the court which represents 125% of the total amount evaded.

Mr. Wijeyesekere is self-employed and provides income tax preparation and accounting services. From 2005 to 2008 Wijeyesekere understated his total taxable income by $95,406. As a result, the total federal tax he evaded was $16,822.

The preceding information was obtained from the court records.

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 Web site 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.


Canada Revenue Agency

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