Slovak and Polish companies attempted to defraud the state of half a million euros in sweetened beverage tax
Fraudsters through interconnected companies with Polish representatives sought to illegally obtain more than 543,000 euros from the refund of the new sweetened beverage tax. The Financial Administration exposed them in time.
Slovak and Polish companies attempted to defraud the state of half a million euros in sweetened beverage tax
The state budget was protected from a loss exceeding 543,000 euros. The Financial Administration uncovered a network of interconnected business entities which attempted to illegally obtain a refund for the tax on sweetened non-alcoholic beverages. The case was reported by the website Aktuality.sk.
The fraudulent scheme operated through several companies established by the same individuals from eastern Slovakia. These companies were later transferred to Polish representatives with whom it was impossible to make contact. None of the affected entities provided the necessary documentation to the tax office. Not a single company allowed an inspection to be carried out.
Following an analysis of high-risk entities, officials intervened before the money was paid out. According to the law on sweetened non-alcoholic beverage tax, the entitlement to a refund was terminated. In addition, the institution cancelled the VAT registration of the affected companies.
Financial Administration spokesman Daniel Kováč confirmed that analytical tools help expose similar cases. The president of the office, Jozef Kiss, emphasised that there would be no compromises with fraudsters.
The new excise tax on sweetened beverages has been in effect since the beginning of this year. The introduction of this requirement is intended to motivate residents to adopt a healthier lifestyle and reduce excessive consumption of sweetened beverages.
Source: Aktuality