Tax evasion

Painter continued to paint in the black for ten years

The case shows once again: undeclared work does not pay (symbolic image).(Bild: JFs Pic Factory© Thielemann)

Tax evasion instead of retirement: following a confession in the regional court, a Salzburg resident has to pay back around 380,000 euros, including a 300,000 euro fine. 

The defendant is 75 years old, has no criminal record and described himself as a pensioner at the trial on Wednesday in Salzburg. "Are you really retired now?" the judge asks again. "Yes, I get 500 euros," replies the former craftsman. But he doesn't really know either, he says: "The bank, they just deduct something from me."

"Jo, lots of debts"
"Because of the debts?" replies the judge. "Yes, lots of debts," the white-haired man waves his hands. More precisely, it's debts to the tax office. Because, as the public prosecutor explains: "The defendant was a painter and gave up his business in 2006. Nevertheless, he worked from 2011 to 2020 and did not pay any taxes." In total, he withheld around 381,000 euros from the tax authorities. "My client is not a managing director, he is an artist," explained the defense lawyer.

He did not register for the pension until 2021: "Because he has a guilty conscience, he is actually a good person." He admits the accusation. The authorities found out about it during a tax audit at a customer's premises. "I'm sorry," emphasizes the 75-year-old at the end, adding a "request for a little understanding".

300,000 euros partial fine plus restitution for damages

The judge pronounces a guilty verdict and imposes a fine of 300,000 euros - 100,000 euros are suspended. The damage must be made good in full.