Cuba Worries About Tax Evasion

HAVANA – Tax evasion and smuggling have forced the government of Cuba to stop issuing new licenses for some businesses.

The government of Cuba is ceasing the issuance of business licenses until the problems associated with self-employment have been perfected.

Previously, Cubans who wanted to strike out and be self-employed could be issued a license by the government to run their own business.

However, the growing prosperity of some business owners displeased government officials.

Of particular ire to lawmakers were bed and breakfast owners who, in one night, could see incomes equivalent to the average weekly wage of a state-employed worker.

The government also noted that the self-employed may be neglecting to pay their full tax obligations, or even evading their taxes entirely.

In order to address the problem, no new licenses will be issued to those who wish to rent their homes as commercial accommodation, to hospitality businesses, or to construction businesses.

The government is also requiring that businesses use bank accounts which can be verified by tax authorities.