ATO busts accountant
An Adelaide-based accountant, who allegedly lodged a false activity statement to claim a refund of more than $4.5 million, was sentenced to three years and three months jail by the District Court of South Australia yesterday.
Colin John Coker, 50, pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to obtain a financial advantage by deception and two counts of forging Commonwealth documents.
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) alleged that in April 2003, Coker used a company, Australian Mining and Exploration Pty Ltd, to lodge a refund, which was then stopped by the ATO.
Coker will be eligible for parole after serving 12 months jail.
Recommended for you
A Victorian accounting firm – in which Count holds a 40 per cent equity stake – has announced the acquisition of an accounting client book through a $1.4 million transaction.
Australian Ethical has reported its net profit after tax (NPAT) fell 15% to $9.6 million for the year ended 30 June, while its underlying profit after tax (UPAT) declined 7% compared with the year prior, to $10.3 million.
Insignia Financial has announced a 59% increase in its underlying net profit after tax (UNPAT) to $234.5 million in FY22.
Having completed their educational qualifications, those advisers who remain in the industry are reporting being “run off their feet” with new clients.
