And one defaulter says he's not supposed to be on that list because he has been compliant in his court ordered payment. Andrew Munnings of Munnings Funeral Services made a passionate social media post after the publication of tax offenders went public.
He admits that he's had trouble covering his arrears and that he was taken to court and fined. But then he settled the matter and the court ordered him to pay $2,000 a month - and since then he's been diligent about it. However, he also explained that he believes the way the tax services calculates his taxes is incorrect. He spoke to us via phone.
Voice of: Andrew Munnings, Munnings Funeral Services
"I wasn't shocked, I was a bit on the urge that my name was up there because like the director said, the list is based on people who are not paying and are not compliant with the Tax Service and everything. I mean I have seen inside of the courtroom more than P. Diddy up to this point. I have been in and out of court with the Tax Service since 2023. So when I saw the list and everything that was when I posted up on Facebook, that is the first time since I have been going through this with Tax Service that I actually spoke about it because I was just planning to learn my lessons in private and everything and I'm glad that I made the post because when I realize the amount of small business going through the same thing, I look at this like something has to be done and everything. I used to take it so personal like oh they don't like Andrew Munnings but this is not about, this is a bigger picture and that bigger picture is that something is certainly wrong with how the tax system is being ran."
"Munnings Funeral Services is a service, we're not a funeral home, we do not make caskets, we do not bring in caskets, we do not even have a hearse. What happens, we have one small office on Albert Street that services the whole country. If you want our services, you come and you sit in that office. When you sit in that office you don't see any caskets getting made, keychains getting made, booklets getting printed. When you come in there and pay $5,000, $5,000 doesn't go into our pockets. $5,000 is divided up to 13, because we have small businesses that work with us."
"We have a signed agreement with the court now, $2,000 monthly. I have not yet defaulted on that $2,000 so how is it that my name ended up on a public list and you're saying these are the people who are not compliant with payment and these kinds of stuff?"
Munnings said the only advice he would give to young business owners is that they should register with the tax office early and remain compliant diligently - even if their turnover is minimal.
