The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) today filed a criminal complaint with the Department of Justice against CATHERINE B. ZAFRA (ZAFRA) forwillful attempt to evade or defeat tax, and deliberate failure to file Income Tax Return (ITR) and Value Added Tax (VAT) Returns for taxable year 2005, in violation of Sections 254 and 255 of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended (Tax Code).

ZAFRA is a sole proprietress doing business under the name and style of WELLHAND TRADE CENTER with registered address at B24b L49 Molino Homes II, Salitran, Dasmariñas, Cavite 4114.

Records of investigation showed that ZAFRA was issued Letter of Authority LOA 2008-00011186 for the examination of her books of accounts and other accounting records to determine her tax liabilities and compliance.

An access letter was sent to Ushio Philippines, Inc. to determine income payments made to ZAFRA. In reply to the said letter, Ushio Philippines, Inc. disclosed that it paid ZAFRA P7.32 million in 2005.

Further investigation showed that ZAFRA did not file any ITR for taxable years 1999 to 2012. Neither did she file any VAT returns for the same period.

ZAFRA was assessed a total tax liability amounting to P8.98 million for deficiency taxes covering taxable year 2005, inclusive of surcharges and interests, broken down into P6.74 million for Income Tax and P2.24 million for VAT.

The case against CATHERINE B. ZAFRA is the 169th filed under the Run After Tax Evaders (RATE) program of the BIR under the leadership of Commissioner Kim S. Jacinto-Henares. It is likewise a RATE case of Revenue Region No. 9, San Pablo City. (reytdlc)