A company facing two counts of failing to file income tax returns and one count of failing to file VAT returns has been fined $4,500 by the Suva Magistrates court this morning.

Angco Commercial Complex Limited trading as ACC Quantam Energy, ACC Supermarket, ACC Net Café and Mai Tastebuds, pleaded guilty to the charges before Magistrate Priyantha Liyanage.

The company did not file its Income Tax Returns for year 2013 and 2014 and VAT returns for 2014. The court also ordered the company to pay $500 as cost to the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS).

The Magistrate in its sentencing remarks stressed that the company has blatantly disregarded the tax procedures of the country and despite receiving a number of demand notices and reminders from Revenue & Customs Service, failed to honor its tax obligation.

“Despite the many public awareness, amnesty programs, support services and media coverage on voluntary compliance, some taxpayers are still looking for ways to evade their tax obligations”, FRCS Chief Executive Officer Mr. Visvanath Das said.

“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. 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 emphasized that “Our Officers are here to serve the public and the Revenue & Customs Service is encouraging individuals and businesses who may be unsure of their tax status or obligations, to call or visit their nearest Revenue & Customs office; or alternatively visit our website www.frcs.org.fj for more information. We are actively engaging with and providing information to individuals, businesses and sectoral agencies as we focus our efforts on encouraging and supporting voluntary compliance in Fiji”.

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