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PHILIPSBURG--Businesses that are in default of their turnover tax (ToT) and wage tax payments can expect a visit from Tax Administration Marshals.
The Tax Administration has started to clamp down on businesses that are in default of their payment of these two taxes, department head Sherry Hazel said on Tuesday.
Some eight marshals already have started to visit businesses.
Tax Administration will also use the opportunity to clean up its database by removing businesses that have ceased operation, as it is suspected that some businesses have closed their doors and have not informed the Tax Administration. Hazel said there were some 6,000 businesses in Tax Administration's system, but not all were operational, as mail sent to some was being returned.
Hazel said the move to focus on wage tax and ToT was made after authorities noticed a "stabilisation" in revenues for these two areas in 2014 compared to 2013 although the Central Bank has indicated that the economy has grown, amongst other factors. She said there were businesses in the system with outstanding amounts and some that filed tax forms, but failed to pay. "We are not seeing the right amount in revenues," Hazel said.
She also noted that many new restaurants were popping up in the country and said some of these establishments could expect a visit from the Audit Department.
She urged businesses that are in default to "show good faith" and go in and make arrangements with collection officers at the Receiver's Office to settle their outstanding payments.
Businesses in default that are visited by a Marshal will have added fees for the Marshal's visit tagged on to their outstanding amount. This cost is one per cent of the amount of the summons for a minimum of NAf. 20 to a maximum of NAf. 5,000 plus NAf. 35 for every lien placed.
