Tax Authority officials surprised many storekeepers when they arrived in the Geula area of Yerushalayim as well as neighboring Meah Shearim. According to a Haaretz report, the move came partially in response to criticism leveled against the tax collectors, alleging they turn a “blind eye” to tax evasion in chareidi areas.

Stores on Meah Shearim, Malchei Yisrael and Tzefanya Streets were visited by inspectors. The report states that 14% of the Jerusalem stores were found not recording transactions are required by law.

Haaretz adds, “A visit to a Mea Shearim butcher revealed 3,000 NIS in off-the-book transactions, for instance. The butcher said that was his rent payment. When pressed to show the rental contract, he said he didn’t have one, adding, ‘’what’s the problem? We’ll draft one now.’”

The report adds inspectors also visited stores in Ramle/Lod.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)