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Seniat closes Shell offices pending claim



By Upstream staff 

Venezuela's Seniat tax authority has closed Shell's Maracaibo offices for 48 hours as part of a probe into its $131 million back tax claim, Shell said on Thursday.

"Shell Venezuela expects a minimum impact on its production operations, " the company said.

Seniat is investigating Shell and 21 other oil companies that carry operating contracts in Venezuela.

The tax agency has closed dozens of international and local businesses for 48-hour periods as part of an ongoing campaign to halt tax evasion.

Seniat says Shell owes $131 million for the 2001 to 2004 period, but the company claims it has already paid in full.

"Shell Venezuela reiterates that it has paid all taxes mandated by the law and complies with Venezuelan law," the company said.

The US supermajor was slapped with the tax demand on 14 July and was given 15 days to pay up, Reuters reported.

Shell appealed the decision and has 25 days to present its arguments to Seniat.

Companies that do not pay their claims within 15 days may face fines of up to 250%, according to the tax authority.


Thursday, 11 August, 2005, 21:06 GMT  | last updated: Friday, 12 August, 2005, 06:06 GMT

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