The United States Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan has sent a stern warning to business owners in the neighbouring territory who are delinquent in the paying of their taxes, stating that they will be jailed if the taxes are left unpaid.
The governor’s comment came during the recently held Spring 2022 Revenue Estimating Conference.
During the conference it was announced that the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (DLCA) will no longer require a tax clearance letter from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) before a business license is issued.
Senate President Donna Frett-Gregory posed the question, asking for more details on how the new procedure will be effective.
Commissioner of the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs Richard Evangelista also responded to the queries raised by the Senate President.
He said despite the letter no longer being required, both the Department and Bureau will still be working on a shared database where the information will be readily accessible by either entity.
In the meantime, Commissioner Evangelista also put delinquent businesses on notice, that failure to pay their taxes will result in their business licenses being revoked.
He said in doing this, these businesses will become members on the ‘Wall of Shame’.