ATO prosecutions for tax evasion surge 80% in two years
The ATO secured more than 305 convictions in a crackdown on shadow economy tax evasion and non-lodgment.
The ATO is cracking down on tax evasion and shadow economy work. Non-lodgment prosecutions against dodgy shadow economy operators rose 80 per cent over two years.
The ATO prosecuted 350+ people and businesses. More than 305 resulted in convictions, a nearly 60 per cent jump.
Fines topped $2.7 million. Queensland accounted for 28 per cent of prosecutions, followed by Western Australia at 26 per cent and NSW at 20 per cent.
The shadow economy, including cash-in-hand work and unpaid superannuation, now accounts for up to 5.4 per cent of GDP. The ATO said convictions carry consequences beyond fines: lost reputation, business closure, and prison time for serious offending.
- 350+
- Prosecutions
- 305+
- Convictions
- $2.7 million
- Fines total
- 80 per cent over two years
- Rise in prosecutions
Why it mattersAnyone working cash jobs or evading tax now faces real criminal conviction risk, not just financial penalties, with lasting impact on their business and reputation.
AustraliaAustralians working in the shadow economy face escalating ATO enforcement with criminal convictions affecting their ability to operate businesses and secure credit.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 7 d ago
