More than 400 Taiwanese artistes on tax man's 'wanted list'
Posted: 19 November 2009 1247 hrs

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TAIPEI: Taiwanese tax authorities are coming down hard on celebrities as more than 400 artistes are being investigated for tax evasion this year.

Those on the 'wanted list' include hosts Barbie Hsu and Dee Hsu, as well as actresses Cheryl Yang and Joe Chen, who are among the top earners in the Taiwanese entertainment industry.

This isn't the first time a massive tax evasion investigation has been launched. Mando-pop singer Zhang Hui Mei and host Jacky Wu were previously in trouble with the tax man. In such cases, artistes will either try to settle the issue amicably or go to court.

Last year, the Hsu sisters won their case against the authorities and they are hoping history will repeat itself.

The sisters have been told to cough up 40 million Taiwan dollars (S$2 million) in outstanding taxes this year and they will take their case to court once again after failing to reach an agreement with authorities.

Other celebrities such as supermodel Lin Chiling and host Kevin Tsai, however, were not so fortunate with their appeals.

This year, supermodel-turned-actress Lin was told to pay 15 million Taiwan dollars (S$750,000) in outstanding taxes. Even though she made a personal appearance to explain her position, authorities insisted that she pay taxes based on her salary and that there was no room for negotiation.

Her close friend Tsai too was ordered to pay 6 million Taiwan dollars (S$300,000) inclusive of outstanding taxes and fines.

Many artistes have cried foul over the complicated tax reporting guidelines.

Actress Stephanie Xiao faces the possibility of paying close to 4 million Taiwan dollars (S$200,000) in outstanding taxes and fines after authorities ruled that she filed her taxes under the wrong category. She filed an appeal but it was rejected a few days ago. - CNA/fa