Crocs store in TriNoma padlocked for tax violations

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) closed down an outlet in Ayala-owned TriNoma Mall in North Ave., Quezon City for underdeclaring sales for two years since 2007 and value-added tax (VAT) payments. In a statement, BIR Revenue Region 7 regional director Antonio Montemayor said Crocs Store Trinoma Inc. (CSTI) declared sales lower by 163.16 percent in 2007 and 16.54 percent in 2008. The retail outlet should have paid P6.38 million and P1.34 million in 2007 and 2008, respectively. “Regardless of standing in the business community and the place where trade is undertaken, we will not be deterred in pursuing the mandate of our Oplan Kandado program. Big or small, we will sanction tax violators and close them if they continue to defy tax laws, rules and regulations," Montemayor said. All Conditions Gear Philippines Inc., the exclusive distributor of Crocs in the country, declined to comment on the closure of one of its distribution outlets. “As of now ACGPI has put on hold all queries regarding the issue. They will, however, release a statement hopefully within this week," the company’s public relations officer said. CSTI, which was given time to explain and dispute findings, did not comply with the 48-hour notice and five-day VAT notice. Quezon City BIR Assistant Regional Director Jonas Amora said they won't let tax violators go scot-free. “Global financial crisis is hitting countries around the globe. The country badly needs more revenues during this difficult time and tax dodgers are only making our country’s plight more difficult. We certainly cannot let this happen. The nation’s interest is foremost," he added. -GMANews.TV