TAIPEI – Professional Drivers’ Union files complain against Uber Taiwan for tax evasion
The Taipei City Professional Drivers’ Union filed a formal complaint Friday against Uber Taiwan for tax evasion – the union’s first legal action against Uber amid controversy over the ridesharing giant’s legal status in Taiwan.
President of the Taipei City Professional Drivers’ Union Cheng Li-chia submitted the union’s petition to the Taipei District Prosecutors’ Office Friday morning. The petition named Uber Taiwan General Manager Gu Li-kai as a responsible party.
“If the government remains undeterred by our protests and fails to suspend Uber Taiwan before it complies with the law – or before a law is established to regulate the sharing economy – we will not hesitate to take further action to fight for fair competition,” Cheng said.
Cheng cited other tax evasion cases, in which liable companies were forced to suspend businesses operations on short notice.
“Why is there a double-standard for law enforcement? Is the government afraid of provoking foreign companies?” Cheng asked.
The union quoted Article 41 of the Tax Collection Act, which stipulates “a taxpayer who evades tax payment by fraud or other unjust means shall receive a prison sentence of more than five years, detention, or will face a fine of no more than NT$60,000 (S$2,560).”
“Uber evaded tax duties, but the government can’t see!” a dozen taxi drivers chanted outside the Taipei District Prosecutors’ Office.
The National Taxation Bureau on Thursday evening announced they are “ready to take action against Uber Taiwan,” saying they estimate the company has evaded over NT$100 million in taxes.
‘Extreme measures’
Cheng said Uber Taiwan knowingly compelled drivers to take part in the illegal business.
According to Criminal Code Article 153, “a person who, via writing, images, word of mouth, or other means” publicly incites another individual to violate the law or disobey a legal order “shall be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than two years, short-term imprisonment, or a fine of not more than NT$1,000.”
Cheng called on the government to make “appropriate decisions” at the next meeting scheduled for August 26.
“If our right to legally work as taxi driver is lost, we will take extreme measures to protect our rights to work and rights to survival,” he said.
