The current perception is that there are many businesses that deal in cash – particularly the service industry and many of us are aware of the scenario of a business offering a discount for cash transactions. This is what is known as the ‘hidden economy” – it benefits neither the provider nor the receiver to be involved in these transactions which amount to a fraudulent activity and the Inland Revenue has targeted this ‘hidden economy’ with heavy penalties.
In fact a month ago, the Revenue Minister announced that ‘compliance activity for ‘hidden economy’ tax evasion gave a return of $45million, $5.60 for every dollar spent” – that was in 2013. This means that ensuring compliance is really worthwhile for the IR and they will continue to invest in this area.