TPB bans tax fraudster for 3 years

The Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) has terminated the registration of a Sydney-based tax agent for three years following an extensive investigation into the agent’s conduct.

The agent, William Gage, was found to have breached the Code of Professional Conduct and would no longer be able to provide tax agent services, as well as being banned from reapplying for registration for three years.

Peter de Cure, chair of the TPB, said the organisation determined that Gage no longer met the registration requirement of being a fit and proper person to practice as a tax agent.

“The integrity of the tax profession relies on tax practitioners upholding the highest ethical standards, and this case demonstrates the TPB’s commitment to taking decisive action against those who fail to do so,” he said.

“Mr Gage’s misconduct spanned many years and undermined public confidence making his deregistration a necessary step in maintaining trust in the system.”

In addition to the findings of Gage’s significant misconduct, Gage was noted to now be a disqualified entity, which would prevent him from providing tax agent or BAS services on behalf of a registered practitioner.

De Cure said the investigation into Gage uncovered multiple breaches including failure to act honestly and with integrity and non-compliance with taxation laws regarding his personal affairs.

In the investigation, it was uncovered that Gage submitted an altered gift receipt to the ATO to support deductions claimed in his tax return, as the original document, issued by the Benevolent Relief Fund, was altered to include Gage’s name.

According to the TPB, Gage initially denied the alteration during an interview with the ATO’s Wealth Program 2024, before he admitted to the misconduct.

Other breaches committed by Gage included:

· The claiming of rental expense deductions in tax returns for Gage’s tax agent company, AWG Property Services Pty Ltd, over three years despite the company never paying rent or holding lease agreements.

· The claiming of rental losses on tax returns over 13 years from 30 June 2009 onwards, for a property not owned after 30 September 2015 and not rented before 30 June 2020.

· Failing to lodge four tax returns and six business activity statements for his associated entities by their respective due dates.

De Cure said behaviour like this would not be tolerated and the TPB alongside the community expected all tax practitioners to keep their personal tax obligations up to date.

“We work closely with the ATO and other government regulators to ensure we achieve the best outcomes for all registered tax practitioners and the Australian community as a whole.”

“We have adopted a whole-of-government approach to support strategies to identify shared risks and build greater fraud detection and prevention measures. Acting against tax practitioners who are involved in fraud, promotes a capable, trusted and well-regulated tax profession.”