Businessman Caught Dodging Tax on £800k Turnover
Michael John Austen, 73, of Bexleyheath, admitted dodging income tax on his carpet fitting firm, All Carpets Ltd, between 2017 and 2022. Despite raking in nearly £800,000 in turnover, he pocketed the cash without declaring it to HMRC.
HMRC Crackdown Uncovers Hidden Earnings
Prosecutor Dickon Edwards revealed HMRC had been watching Austen closely after noting he declared no income while running an active business. In October 2023, officers raided his home and found paperwork proving he regularly booked work but kept the money under the radar. Austen claimed he had little cash left each month to pay tax as he supported a large household with eight mouths to feed. However, HMRC accountants calculated he stiffed the taxman by an eye-watering £218,098 over five years.
Judge Slaps Suspended Jail Term
Defence barrister Trevor Siddle said Austen was the family breadwinner who “buried his head in the sand” rather than facing up to his tax bills.
“Providing for his grandchildren is commendable but doesn’t justify not paying income tax,” Judge Steven Kovats KC stated.
The judge opted for a suspended two-year prison sentence, warning that immediate jail would send a strong message about tax avoidance. Proceeds of crime action is now underway to seize Austen’s ill-got gains.
