Israel Tax Authority inspectors visited businesses in Tzfat and other northern areas to ascertain if they are complying with regulations. During the area visit they checked 151 businesses in Chatzor HaGlilit, Rosh Pina, Carmiel, Kiryat Shmona, Pikin, Raama and others.

In one jewelry store in Tzfat inspectors learned that NIS 6,500 in income was not recorded as required. The owner told inspectors “I wrote it as paid but in fact, the amounts written were not paid”. In a Tzfat air conditioning business they found a check for NIS 1,200 that was not recorded. This store owner explained “I received the check yesterday and have not gotten around to recording it”. A check of a car wash in Kiryat Shmona revealed about NIS 1,500 of income was not recorded. The owners explained “the amount was indeed recorded. Our bookkeeper can show you where it was written”.

In a Rosh Pina gift store NIS 500 in income was not recorded. The owner explained “I was waiting for the other payment of NIS 800 to then write one receipt for the entire amount”.

When inspectors arrived at a restaurant it became evident that they were setting up for an event and an advanced payment was made but there was no record. When they asked to see the book where income is registered, an employee explained she was told to hide it and not show it to anyone, including inspectors. The inspectors got a court order and when they reviewed the books they learned much of the income was unrecorded.

They visited a bakery in Raama and were told “the cash register is broken” when realizing income was not recorded. The same occurred when an inspector made a purchase in a butcher shop in Churpish. They learned the income was not recorded for a number of days. The owner explained “my wife has been ill and I don’t remember anything about that day”, referring to the inspector’s undercover purchase.

When a fare got out of a taxi inspectors asked how much he paid and when they checked the driver, he had no record. The driver explained “I printed a receipt from the meter but he did not want it so I tossed it. He was my first fare of the day”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)