The wife of a Margate-based decorator caught fiddling the business books in order to allow her husband to over-claim business expenses; was found guilty of tax fraud and sentenced this week.  Plus, she’s been ordered to repay £18,706 to HMRC.

Amanda Tillings, aged 48, was responsible for looking after the books of her husband’s painting and decorating business, and for submitting his tax returns.  Between 2010 and 2014 she tried to claim nearly £19,000 worth of tax repayments which weren’t due – by putting personal expenditure through the business books.   When HM Revenue & Customs tax investigators examined the books they discovered non-allowable expenditure including: personal vet’s bills; family food shopping; a car for her daughter; a personalised number plate; ladies’ shoes; and even the cost of a bereavement notice in the local paper for her late father-in-law.

She pleaded guilty to the tax fraud offence at Canterbury Crown Court and was sentenced to 12 months in prison (suspended for 2 years); ordered to do 200 hours community work; and repay £18,706.

How Could Lynam Tax Enquiry Experts Help Me?
We have decades of extensive practical experience in managing tax disclosures and tax fraud investigations.  If you have irregularities in your tax affairs we can advise you on your best course of action.  If appropriate, we will help you with any disclosure.  If you are already under criminal investigation we can assist in the preparation of the defence case.  We can help get the best possible outcome for you, your business and your family.

*For a free, private, no obligation consultation, call

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