Elephant Man's Benz seized by tax authorities

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

THE Tax Administration Department yesterday seized a Mercedes Benz motor vehicle owned by popular entertainer Elephant Man, for the alleged non-payment of taxes.

The department's Special Enforcement Team, with the assistance of the police, and as part of their ongoing operations to clamp down on delinquent taxpayers, carried out the raid at a Hillview Crescent, St Andrew premises where the entertainer has an apartment.

The Tax Department, however, declined to confirm how much money was owed by the artiste, but said assets are seized when individuals/companies are 'chronically delinquent' in tax payments.

"...What I can disclose is that the Special Enforcement Team carried out an operation and seized assets of a taxpayer for non-payment of taxes," said Merris Haughton, the director of communication at the Tax Department.

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COMMENTS (11)

Anthony Johnson
7/21/2010

When i work them collect before i get my pay so all who owe tax must pay.I agree with Kendall,it's time for some delinquents to be sent to jail for evading tax.

christopher Isaacs
7/21/2010

Assessments must be made of all these high rollers tax status because i am of the view that most of these persons do not pay the requesite taxes.. doctors, lawyers et al.

Norman Lee
7/21/2010

I hope the teachers get a least a "smalls" from the amounts collected. It would even be nice to see a teacher driving a benz!

Christopher Richards
7/21/2010

I am sure this is not the first or the last high profile seizure by the Tax Authorities. They did it with the car dealer and also the Radio Station, and these are high profile persons, who are not classified in the same grouping as the entertainers. So I don't see why people are commenting and acting as if they have done some injustice by going after Elephant man. He is a delinquent and as such, like all the others before him, must comply.
Good work SET.

toppmax@hotmail.com williams
7/21/2010

we all have to do our part.

Elli Deedo
7/21/2010

They have quickly changed the Headline, it was not first stated who's Car it was. I'am here in Europe and know's it's Elephant Man's Car. I do not understand my favourite Media at times!! Come on Guys! dont let us down! we appreciate the good work you are all doing. (Respect:)

G Kendall
7/21/2010

Well, call me stupid but I think it should be more than just seizing assets - these delinquents should be given jail time so they won't risk having a criminal record (will affect their visa applications/work permit). Seizing one of 10 cars will not deter their delinquency.
However, good work and lets see more high profile individuals being dragged to Tax Courts.

Desrene Cuff
7/21/2010

The Tax department is just making an example of Elephant Man because he is popular. I am sure there are bigger fish, that they could go after. But then every where in the world, different class of people are treated differently.

Nicolas Henry
7/21/2010

Full discipline and compliance in every area must be enforced and maintained in JA consitently. None be allowed to feel they're above the law. Good going. Even the man whe a sell cane on the roadside must pay tax on his earning, because him have pickney whe go a school and use clinics. What about the taxi man dem? can't the GOJ collect taxes from dem? dem love talk bout bad road.

Elli Deedo
7/21/2010

Taxes must be paid, fine. Who have been benefitted by the taxes been paid?". several people cannot afford to pay their Childtren School fees. And several are sleeping on the side walks.. lining up to get a little food, while politicians Children can attend Prep schools, and have more than enough to eat. They have not helped one of those Entertainers when they were suffering. It's many sides to these Stories. It's Elefant Man's Benz, according to the News. Taxes must be used to help the suffering

D H
7/21/2010

This is okay, provided that this same vigilance is taken with all segments of society including politicians and other business owners and police officers etc., and not just targeting the most vulnerable members of society.

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Elephant Man's Benz seized by tax authorities