43 organisations sued for VAT irregularities

VAT intelligence teams, in separate drives, found various irregularities done by 43 organisations, including fast-food restaurants, cosmetics and departmental stores in the capital.

Later, they filed cases against those organisations for non-compliance with its directives and violation of the provisions of Value Added Tax (VAT) Act, said Moinul Khan, Director General of VAT Audit Intelligence and Investigation Directorate.

The detectives conducted the anti-VAT evasion drives in Gulshan, Eskaton, Bailey Road, Nawabpur, Wari, Mohammadpur and Dhanmondi areas today.

The organisations against which irregularities were found are-- Lazz Pharma at New Eskaton Road, Mr Baker, Swiss Bakery at Bailey Road, Akij Motors at Boro Moghbazar, Sanando Jewelers & Khwaja Jewelers at New Rajdhani Super Market, Tikatuli, Diamond Hardware and Alamin Traders at Nawabpur, Tangail Chamcham Ghar at Hatkhola Road, Friday Fast Food, High Fashion Gallery, Saslik Food Ltd and Sapura Silk Mills Ltd at Gulshan Avenue, Ma Electronics at  Gulshan 1, Rosy Department Store at Green Road, Spring well Pharmacy and Departmental Store at Panthapath.

Many of these organisations did not display the registration certificate on their premises. With this, they have been accused of cheating consumers in buying goods or services in many cases.

According to Section 13 of the VAT Act, this certificate should be displayed in a visible place on the premises of the business.

Earlier, the VAT Commissionerate had requested these companies to keep the certificate in the sight of the customers at their business place. They also warned the companies through messages on mobile phones and advertisements in newspapers.

As per Section 85 of the law, the fine is Tk10,000 for non-compliance with the request of the VAT authority and violation of the provisions of the law.