DOJ gives Zoren Legaspi more time to answer P4.45-M tax evasion raps

Zoren Legaspi. (Joseph Agcaoili/InterAksyon)

MANILA, Philippines | The Department of Justice on Wednesday granted the request of actor Zoren Legaspi for more time to submit his counter-affidavit to the P4.45 million tax evasion suit filed against him by the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Assistant State Prosecutor Stewart Allan Mariano gave the actor, who was represented by his accountant Flora Capili, until June 6 to file his reply to the charges.

However, Mariano advised Capili that, since she is not a lawyer, the actor should be represented at the June hearing by his legal counsel.

“I believe Mr. Legaspi needs the assistance of a lawyer. The good accountant can be an expert on taxation but she is not a lawyer,” Mariano said.

Mariano’s subpoena said Legaspi’s non-appearance in June would be considered a waiver of his right to respond.

BIR commissioner Kim Henares accused the actor of “a willful attempt” to avoid paying his taxes and a “deliberate failure” to supply the correct information in his income tax returns for 2010 and 2012 in violation of the National Internal Revenue Code.

The amount Legaspi allegedly owes includes surcharges and interest — P1.92 million in 2010 and P2.53 million in 2012.

The BIR added that Legaspi earned P9.64 million in 2010 and P6.49 million in 2012 but declared a gross income of only P6.79 million and P1.82 million in those years.

Legaspi said he is willing to cooperate with the BIR, correct any errors in his tax payments and comply with tax regulations.

DOJ gives Zoren Legaspi more time to answer P4.45-M tax evasion raps

Source: InterAksyon.com (May 28, 2014 at 01:55PM)

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