BIR padlocks convenience store, caterer

 MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has padlocked two business establishments in Pasig City for failing to fulfill tax obligations.

The tax agency ordered the closure of a mini grocery store and another business providing culinary services for various violations of the Tax Code, BIR Commissioner Kim Henares said Friday.

Padlocked were Decadence Culinary Services owned by Hedda Santo Hizon with registered address at fourth floor of the East Tower, Philippine Stock Exchange Center, Ortigas Center, Pasig City and Shutter Speed Merchandise Mini-Stop Convenience Store owned by Julio Joel Garcia located at Unit 102-104 A1 Garnet Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

 Henares said that the agency’s investigation revealed that Decadence Culinary Services was found liable to pay deficiency value added tax (VAT) amounting to P1.6 million. This covers taxable years 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Shutter Speed Merchandise Mini-Stop Convenience Store, meanwhile, has VAT deficiency amounting to P4.8 million covering 2008 and 2009, inclusive of increments.

Henares said the two businesses committed acts constituting violations of the Tax Code such as failure to pay correct income tax and VAT, failure to supply correct and accurate information, attempt to evade or defeat tax and perjury.

The twin closures marked the sixth and seventh under the Oplan Kandado flagship project of the BIR under the current leadership of Henares.

The BIR has been trying to shore up revenues to meet the government’s 2010 budget deficit ceiling of P325 billion.

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