BIR files P41.73-M tax evasion case vs towing firm owner

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Thursday filed a multi-million tax evasion case against businessman who owns towing company providing services to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the San Miguel Foods Inc.

BIR chief Kim Henares said they filed before the Department of Justice a tax evasion case against Joselito Nicolas, owner of Goodlucky Well Trading & Towing Services, for his failure to pay his taxes and tax returns.

Henares said the bureau's Information Systems Development and Operations Service discovered that Nicolas did not pay taxes or file any tax return from 2009 to 2012.

She said that the MMDA and San Miguel Foods Inc. paid the company a total of P48.03 million from 2009 to 2012.

She added that Nicolas' tax liability was P41.73 million, including surcharges and interests.

The BIR filed a separate case against Catherine B. Zafra who owns Wellhand Trade Center located in Dasmarinas, Cavite.

Henares said Zafra has not filed any income tax return from 1999 to 2012.

However, in 2005, Zafra sold P7.32-million worth of products to Ushio Philippines Inc., a Japanese-controlled company that manufactures lamps in Cavite.

Henares said the BIR computed Zafra's tax liability at P8.98 million, including surcharges and interests.