THE Suva Magistrates Court fined a company $4500 for failing to file income tax returns and for failing to file VAT returns.
The company, Angco Commercial Complex Ltd — trading as ACC Quantam Energy, ACC Supermarket, ACC Net Café and Mai Tastebuds — appeared before Magistrate Priyantha Liyanage yesterday charged with two counts of failing to file income tax returns and one count of failing to file VAT returns.
The company was ordered to pay $500 as cost to the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS).
According to a statement from FRCS, the company did not file its income tax returns for years 2013 and 2014 and VAT returns for 2014.
The statement added that Mr Liyanage, in his sentencing remarks, stressed that the company had blatantly disregarded tax procedures of the country.
This is despite receiving a number of demand notices and reminders from Fiji Revenue & Customs Service, failed to honour its tax obligation.
Fiji Revenue & Customs Service chief executive officer Visvanath Das said despite many public awareness, amnesty programs, support services and media coverage on voluntary compliance, some taxpayers were still looking for ways to evade their tax obligations.
“This case is an example of how non-compliant taxpayers will be dealt with under the law and should be a deterrent to those who think they can get away with beating the tax system,” he said in the statement. There are another seven cases of similar nature that are before the courts. Out of these seven, five are companies while two are sole traders.”
Mr Das also reiterated their active engagement with and providing information to individuals, businesses and sectoral agencies as they focused their efforts on encouraging and supporting voluntary compliance in Fiji.
“Our officers are here to serve the public,” he said.
FRCS is also encouraging individuals and businesses that may be unsure of their tax status or obligations, to call or visit their nearest FRCS office; or alternatively visit their website www.frcs.org.fj for more information.
