OPINION

Zero tolerance for evaders

It is very sad, if not infuriating, to read the latest data from checks carried out by the Financial Crimes Squad (SDOE) on businesses at popular tourist destinations. According to initial indications, tax evasion and the avoidance of issuing receipts are sky high. This is beyond the pale.

It is clear that some business owners are intent on ignoring the prime minister’s warning that value-added tax at bars and restaurants will go back up to 23 percent from 13 percent if tax evasion continues. It is high time that we did something about this practice.

We are in the fourth year of a major crisis and there are still businessmen who refuse to meet their obligations. There can be no more excuses. The state and we as citizens have to be as strict as possible. We should show zero tolerance to those who do not issue receipts or use various tricks to avoid their responsibilities. Whatever these fellow citizens steal, we will end up paying in taxes. It’s as simple as that.

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