BIR files tax evasion case vs Solenn Heussaff

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) filed a P3.6 million tax evasion case against model and TV host Solenn Marie Adea Heussaff and her accountant on Thursday, April 4.

In a statement, the BIR said Heussaff violated Sections 254 and 255 of the National Internal Revenue Code by not providing the bureau with correct and accurate information. BIR filed the case before the Department of Justice.

The BIR said Heussaff declared only P6.73 million in gross income in her 2011 income tax return — about half of the P13,592,122.44 income she earned from her clients and employers.

BIR said Heussaff’s P13.59 million income was the total income payment made to her for taxable year 2011 by the following: 

1. Innovitelle, Inc.
2. Publicis Jimenez Basic
3. San Miguel Brewery, Inc.
4. So One, Inc.
5. Intelligent Beaty Skin Solutions, Inc.
6. Golden ABC, Inc. (Penshoppe)
7. Ginebra San Miguel, Inc.
8. Summit Publishing Co., Inc.
9. TAPE, Inc. (Eat Bulaga)
10. Fresh N’Famous Foods, Inc.
11. MCA Music
12. GMA Network, Inc.
13. Activations Advertising, Inc.

BIR said a Letter of Authority was issued to Heussaff on February 13 authorizing the examination of book of accounts and other accounting records for all internal revenue taxes of Heussaff.

The tax bureau also said Heussaff declared a taxable income of only P3.3 million for 2011.

“Heussaff’s underdeclaration is more than 30% and is prima facie evidence of fraud,” the BIR said, adding that the her tax liability deficiency was assessed at P3.6 million, including surcharge and interest.

Commenting on the news, Heussaff tweeted this: “I’m an honest person. As transparent as it gets. Someone made a mistake and I have to fix it.” (Read: Solenn reacts to tax evasion issue) 

The BIR is also filing charges against her accountant, Teofilo C. Magno Jr., for violating section 257 of the NIRC or making false entries in his client’s audited financial statement.

The tax bureau has an ongoing name-and-shame campaign against erring taxpayers to improve revenue collections. – Rappler.com