The Egyptian General Administration of Tax Evasion and Taxation Authority have seized a number of Egyptian singer Hakim’s personal possessions, including his cars, for not paying overdue taxes on his singing activities that have accumulated to 3 million Egyptian pounds since 1990. Investigation tax officials have discovered that the singer has not paid any income tax from concerts, new albums, and advertising which reached over 30 million Egyptian pounds.
Tax officials notified the police to prohibit the singer from using his cars until he pays at least 10% of the amount requested. An attempt to impound the singer’s apartment failed due to heavy security Hakim had placed. All other personal possessions such as land and real estate are to be confiscated and sold unless quick payment is maid by Hakim. Warnings have been sent to Hakim that legal actions will be taken sentencing him to at least a 3-year prison term if he does not pay by early next year.
According to the Egyptian daily Al Messa, Hakim was previously was sued by the Authority and accused of tax evasion, his lawyer intervened and reached an agreement where the singer paid taxes required from him dating back to 1992.
It was understood to the General Administration of Tax Evasion that the singer had escaped from the payment of the overdue taxes on his activities. The net profits that were hidden from the Tax Office were estimated at three million Egyptian Pounds. The tax declarations presented by the singer did not conform to what was found in his official documents and records, which led him to run away from tax auditors.
It is worthy to highlight that this is not the first case of its kind related to Egyptian artist tax evasion and that most of such cases are usually resolved by a reconciliation between the tax office and the artists and the payment of the overdue taxes. –Albawaba.com
