P10.53-M tax evasion case filed against taxi, freight operator

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Thursday filed a P10.53-million tax evasion case against a taxi and freight forwarding operator and his accountant.

The tax bureau filed before the Department of Justice the case against Gaudencio De Guzman and certified public accountant Ernesto Paguia. De Guzman is the sole proprietor of G. De Guzman Enterprises based in San Rafael, Bulacan.

BIR Commissioner Kim Henares said De Guzman was charged for his willful attempt to evade or defeat taxes and deliberate failure to supply correct and accurate information in his annual income tax return for 2009 to 2011. Henares said De Guzman was assessed a total tax liability of P10.53 million, including surcharges and interests, such as P1.42 million in 2009, P5.6 million in 2010 and P3.51 million in 2011.

On the other hand, Paguia was charged for certifying the financial statements of De Guzman which contained erroneous facts.

According to BIR, De Guzman acquired eight cars amounting to P4.8 million in 2009, 14 cars worth P8.386 million in 2010 and four cars worth P2.396 million in 2011. However, the acquisitions were not reflected in his financial statements.