DOJ files 18 tax evasion charges vs 2 firms

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed 18 criminal charges before the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) against two companies, Buenviaje Builders, Inc. and Synergy Sales International Corporation, along with their responsible officers, for alleged tax evasion amounting to P73 million.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) accused the firms of engaging in transactions with supposed "ghost companies," Buildforce Trading, Inc., and Decarich Supertrade Inc.

These ghost companies were allegedly established to issue fraudulent official receipts to support fictitious claims and expense deductions, which unlawfully reduced the tax liabilities of Buenviaje Builders and Synergy Sales.

Following a preliminary investigation, the DOJ found sufficient evidence to prosecute the corporations and their officers, including Ernesto S.D. Buenviaje, Ruselle Anne Buenviaje, Arthur See, and Betty Lim See.

The respondents are facing charges for violating provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) related to attempting to evade taxes and failing to supply correct and accurate information.