A Queensland man has been sentenced to seven years prison for using his wife's deli business to defraud the tax office of more than $1.2 million.
Brisbane man Stephen Mungomery, 51, was sentenced in the Brisbane District Court on Thursday for frauds through business activity statements lodged for his wife's business between 2009 and 2012.
He was also ordered to pay the money back.
The tax office said the frauds were discovered when Mungomery was asked to to produce invoices to back up claims made in documents lodged for his wife's business Gourmet Providores Pty Ltd.
Assistant Commissioner Peter Vujanic said it was "astounding" that anyone thought they could get away with such a fraud against the tax system.
"This wasn't an honest mistake by a small business owner trying to do the right thing - it was a calculated and deliberate attempt to commit fraud and steal money from taxpayers," Mr Vujanic said in a statement.
"This kind of illegal behaviour takes away potential tax dollars from the Australian community which could otherwise go to essential infrastructure services such as roads, schools and hospitals.
"As this case demonstrates, if you're caught breaking the law we will hold you accountable, even if it means pursuing you in the criminal judicial system."
