Dublin builder fined €12,000 over tax returns

A Dublin builder has been hit with a €12,000 fine for failing to file tax returns for almost a decade.

Leo Finn (49) of Harbour Road, Dalkey, Co Dublin, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to charges under the Taxes Consolidation Act.

Judge John O’Neill heard at Dublin District Court that Finn has not yet filed annual returns for 2005 until 2013.

Finn was prosecuted by the DPP following a Revenue investigation.

The judge noted that this was the fourth time the case was before the court and the returns have still not been filed.

He said that if Finn had made an effort the prosecution would have struck out some of the charges, but that the builder has “not even set the wheels in motion”.

Accountant

Finn told the court that a large amount of documents were with his accountant but he has not been able to pay him.

The judge proceeded to impose fines totalling €12,000 and directed Finn to file the returns for the outstanding years.