168 Tax Payers Banned From Leaving Indonesia

Jakarta, Dec 17 (Antara) - The government bans 168 tax payers from leaving the country as they still have debts in tax to settle. They still have debts in taxes of Rp100 million or more each and they are not allowed to leave the country as it is feared that they have no intention of settling their tax obligations. A letter issued by the finance minister on Wednesday said those assuming responsibility for 147 corporate taxes and 21 individual tax payers were banned from leaving the country. They include 40 foreign tax payers from other Asian countries, the United States , Australia and Europe each with a total debt of Rp57.2 billion and 128 Indonesians with a total debts of Rp541.6 billion. The ban is temporary and are selective for those having unsettled debt of Rp100 million or more each and that they have shown no intention of settling their debts. The ban is for up to six months but could be extended for another six months. By 17 Dec. 2014, the taxation directorate general already processed recommendations to ban 487 tax payers from leaving the country. They included those responsible for 402 corporate tax payers and 85 individual tax payers with a total of unsettled debt of Rp3.21 trillion. Foreign tax payers - individuals and corporates - made up 65 of those included in the recommendation to be banned from leaving the country with Indonesian making up the rest. The tax payers are given time and right to request for payment by installments for roll over before payment deadline is over. The directorate general would demand payment with force based on the PPSP law if tax payers failed to use their right to seek payment by installments or ask for roll over, after receiving a warning from the taxation directorate general.