The VAT intelligence has filed a case against online shopping platform E-orange on the allegation of evasion of value-added tax (VAT).

The case was filed under the VAT and Supplementary Duty Act today, according to a press release of VAT Audit, Intelligence & Investigation Directorate (VATAIID) under the National Board of Revenue (NBR).

Earlier, a team of VATAIID conducted the drive at E-orange office in Gulshan area of Dhaka on June 8 and found evidence of VAT evasion of Tk 13 lakh, it said.

The company bought products or services worth Tk 245.75 crore in a certain period and earned a commission of Tk 3.88 crore by selling those at Tk 249.63 crore, according to the release.

The E-orange was supposed to pay VAT of Tk 19.39 lakh at the rate of 5 per cent on the commission, but it had paid only Tk 6.23 lakh.

And thus, the online platform hid the actual sales information and evaded VAT of Tk 13.16 lakh, it said.

However, the report of the case has been sent to Customs, Excise and VAT Commissionerate in Dhaka North zone for taking legal action against E-orange and for recovery of evaded VAT.

This correspondent tried to reach officials concerned with E-orange over phone for their comments but they did not respond.