Hundreds prosecuted as ATO takes aim at Aussies dodging tax
Australians dodging their tax obligations are increasingly ending up in court, with prosecutions jumping 80 per cent and millions of dollars in fines handed down.
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) revealed it has ramped up action against people and businesses failing to lodge tax returns as part of the shadow economy.
Dodging taxes is coming back to bite, with hundreds before the courts – and some losing their livelihoods. ATO
The shadow economy refers to economic activity knowingly hidden to avoid tax and super obligations.
It can also involve businesses or individuals failing to declare income, demanding cash payments for work, or denying workers their proper entitlements.
More than 350 people and entities have been prosecuted over the past two years, while over 305 have been convicted.
Court action has also resulted in fines totalling over $2.7 million.
For serious offending, prison is also possible. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Successful prosecutions increased by more than 80 per cent between 2024–25 and 2025–26, while the number of convictions rose by almost 60 per cent.
The ATO said Queensland, Western Australia and NSW together accounted for almost three-quarters of non-lodgment prosecutions across the country last financial year.
Queensland topped the list with 28 per cent, followed by Western Australia at 26 per cent and NSW at 20 per cent.
Victoria accounted for 17 per cent and South Australia seven per cent.
ATO Assistant Commissioner Tony Goding said people who deliberately skimped on obligations risked consequences well beyond a fine. Supplied
ATO Assistant Commissioner Tony Goding said people who deliberately skimped on obligations risked consequences well beyond a fine.
“The shadow economy undermines legitimate businesses and reduces revenue that would otherwise fund essential public services that support all Australians,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter what profession you’re in, if you’re a tradie, hairdresser or café owner, and you deliberately avoid paying the right amount of tax, you risk more than financial penalties.”
Goding said a criminal record could follow offenders into other parts of their lives.
“A criminal conviction can have significant impact on your reputation, business viability and ability to travel overseas, as well as make it harder to borrow money or obtain insurance,” he said.
The ATO said it had seen business owners receive criminal convictions and lose customers, community trust and, in some cases, their businesses.
For serious offending, prison is also possible.
“What might start as a shortcut can quickly become a dead end, with serious financial, professional and personal consequences,” Goding said.
“Our message to the community is clear: deliberately ignoring your obligations comes at a significant cost.”
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