Government to announce names of persons with outstanding payments

Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) has decided to announce the names of persons who owe money to the state.

MIRA published a policy on Thursday, on actions to be taken against groups whose whereabouts are unknown, and with pending tax, fees, rent, royalty and other payments.

The policy states that the company name, address, owner name, and PIN number of those groups with outstanding payments, who have not been reachable for over two months from the deadline to make the payment, will be announced.

“In addition to the website, the information will be published on the gazette,” reads MIRA’s policy.

If the outstanding amount exceeds Rf 50,000, the names will be announced on TV and radio. Those with outstanding payments have the opportunity to contact MIRA before 18 May 2012.

MIRA has commenced announcing names of groups with outstanding GST payments, and are in discussion with MMA to freeze the accounts of these groups. The list of companies with outstanding GST payments exceeds 125. MIRA has filed cases to court regarding outstanding payments from resorts.

According to the Tax Administration Act, MIRA has the authority to take stringent steps against those with outstanding tax payments and those who fail to meet the deadline to submit tax statements.