SRB seals two outlets of burger restaurant chain

KARACHI: In a resolute move against alleged sales tax evasion, Sindh Revenue Board (SRB) officials have taken firm action against the widely recognized burger franchise, Burger O’clock. Two of its outlets, strategically situated at Dolmen Mall Clifton and Sindhi Muslim Cooperative Housing Society, have been sealed by SRB authorities.

The SRB contends that Burger O’clock engaged in intentional underreporting of sales figures, resulting in substantial losses to the Sindh Sales Tax (SST) revenue. This latest enforcement follows the closure of two branches of the Red Apple restaurant chain by SRB on similar grounds a mere 20 days ago.

According to SRB officials, Burger O’clock is accused of violating the Sindh Sales Tax on Services Act 2011 and Sindh Sales Tax Special Procedure Rules 2022, despite earlier assurances of compliance.

These regulations mandate large-scale restaurants to integrate their point-of-sale systems with SRB for real-time tax monitoring. However, Burger O’clock allegedly failed to fulfill this obligation, neglecting to remit the evaded tax amounts.

The SRB’s consecutive punitive measures underscore its steadfast stance against eateries evading tax responsibilities. The authority has explicitly stated its intent to apply equally stringent penalties to any other restaurants found in violation of provincial taxation rules.

Demonstrating an unwavering commitment, the SRB aims to bolster tax compliance monitoring across the entirety of Sindh, sending a clear and resounding message to businesses that tax evasion will not be tolerated within the region.

The SRB claims that Burger O’clock deliberately underreported sales figures, causing significant losses in Sindh Sales Tax (SST) revenue. This move follows the recent closure of two branches of the Red Apple restaurant chain by SRB on similar grounds just 20 days ago.

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