Tax inspectors have sent out a warning after and Exeter double glazing salesman was jailed for tax dodging.
A double glazing salesman from Exeter who failed to declare or pay tax on self-employed earnings, defrauding £47,574 in Income Tax, has been jailed for nine months.
Jason Smith, 31, received commission as a self-employed canvasser and agent for a window company. He was paid over £195,000 in commission between February 2008 and April 2013, income that should have been reported to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on Self Assessment returns.
Colin Spinks, Assistant Director, Criminal Investigation, HMRC, said: "Smith stole £47,000 from public finances and would probably have continued his fraud had HMRC officers not stopped him. Our message is clear – we will always investigate people suspected of tax fraud. We ask anyone with information about this type of crime to contact the Tax Fraud Hotline on 0800 788 887."
Smith pleaded guilty at Exeter Magistrates' Court on 2 September and was jailed for nine months at Exeter Crown Court on 16 October.
His Honour Judge Carr, said: "You continued to receive your salary knowing that no tax had been paid. You were thoroughly dishonest."
HMRC will seek to recover the money through civil processes.
