BIR closes QC-based caterer

MANILA, Philippines—The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said on Friday that it had shuttered a caterer in Quezon City due to nonpayment of value-added taxes (VAT) for three straight years.

In a statement, the BIR said Margie and Gigi Catering Services was found to have had failed to register as a VAT taxpayer, hence did not pay P1.32 million between 2011 and 2013—a violation of the VAT law.

The catering services provider, owned by a Margarita Capus Tan and located in Batasan Hills, Quezon City, had been registered as non-VAT taxpayer and had also been diligent in filing its monthly percentage tax returns, according to the BIR.

The establishment’s declared gross receipts from 2011 to 2013, however, already exceeded the VAT threshold amount, hence must have had complied with the corresponding VAT administrative requirements, the BIR said.

Margie and Gigi Catering was eventually shut down through a closure order issued by BIR Deputy Commissioner Nelson M. Aspe as the establishment was unable to comply with the requirements specified in the 48-hour as well as the five-day VAT compliance notices.

The BIR closes down tax-deficient establishments under its Oplan Kandado program.

BIR Commissioner Kim S. Jacinto-Henares had said that Oplan Kandado as well as the Run Against Tax Evaders (RATE) program were “consistently among the top priority” programs of the tax-collection agency as these have “a significant impact to the attainment of the revenue goal.” RATE brings alleged tax evaders to court.

This year, the BIR aims to collect P373.83 billion from the 12-percent VAT slapped on goods and services. Ben O. de Vera