Updated: 09/30/2014 10:14 | By Channel NewsAsia
3 online retailers fined for GST evasion
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SINGAPORE: Three online retailers of handbags and accessories were fined a total of S$45,500 for fraudulent evasion of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) last week, according to Singapore Customs.
In a press release on Tuesday (Sep 30), Singapore Customs said the three retailers - Long Siew Fong, Jessie Sng Lee Ling, and Yak Sow Pin - were fined S$31,000, S$10,000 and S$4,500, respectively. They were sentenced by the State Courts on Sep 25, it added.
The authorities said Long imported 2,172 handbags and accessories via 15 import permits between October 2010 and June 2011, and under-declared the value of these goods resulting in a shortfall of S$9,399.58 in GST payment. She pleaded guilty to five charges, and 10 others were taken into consideration during sentencing.
Similarly, Sng imported 269 handbags and accessories via five import permits between January 2011 and August 2012. The under-declaration of the values of these goods resulted in a shortfall of S$1,216.47 in GST payment. She pleaded guilty to two charges, and three others were taken into consideration during sentencing.
Yak imported 90 branded handbags with two import permits in January 2011, and the shortfall in GST payment was S$502.93 after he under-declared the value of these goods. He pleaded guilty to one charge, and another was taken into consideration during sentencing.
“Fraudulent evasion of GST on the importation of goods is a serious offence under the Customs Act,” said Mr Wan Boon Oon, Head of Trade Investigation Branch, Singapore Customs.
“Anyone found guilty will be liable to a fine up to 20 times the amount of tax evaded and/or be jailed for up to two years. Singapore Customs will continue to remain vigilant, to seek out online retailers who attempt to evade GST by under-declaring the values of their imported goods and bring them to justice.” - CNA/kk
