Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 30: A 56-year-old businessman from Goregaon has filed a police complaint against two tax consultants, alleging that they cheated him of Rs 31 lac by failing to pay his GST and income tax dues despite taking money for the purpose.

The complainant, who runs a fabrication business, had hired one of the accused in 2018 on the recommendation of a friend whose firm had been using the consultant’s services since 2016. The accused’s elder brother also assisted him in managing GST and tax-related work for clients.

According to the complaint, during the 2019–2020 financial year, the businessman was unable to pay his taxes due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The accused duo offered to settle his dues on his behalf and collected Rs 27.8 lac from him.

However, in May 2023, the complainant received a notice from the GST department stating that his taxes had not been paid. He was ordered to pay the principal amount along with interest and penalties.

Subsequently, in February 2024, another GST notice informed him that dues for 2020–2021 were also pending. Later, in August 2023, the Income Tax department issued a show-cause notice over unpaid tax on his business profits.

When the businessman confronted one of the accused, he was told that the issue would be resolved if he paid another Rs 1 lac. After the payment, the accused switched off his phone and went missing, his brother claiming ignorance of his whereabouts.

The businessman then approached the Goregaon police, stating that the duo never used the money to pay his taxes and that he had to pay Rs 3.29 lac in penalties as a result.

A case has been registered, and police are investigating the alleged fraud.