Source: JB Online - Rio de Janeiro / RJ - 30/08/2010

São Paulo, August 30, 2010 - Operation Barreira Fiscal, from the Government Secretariat of State, recorded a positive balance in the first six months of operation. Between February and July, there was an increase of R $ 671 million, in the volume of revenue referring to tax substitution, when compared to the same period in 2009. The amount is equivalent to an increase of 51,9%, totaling R $ 1,963 billion. Last year, from February to July, the value of ICMS collection, also referring to tax substitution, was R $ 1,292 billion. The average increase, per month, in 2010, was R $ 110 million, in the same period (Feb to Jul).

The total increase in ICMS collection, with all revenue codes (including tax substitution), in the period from February to July, was approximately 18%, that is, R $ 1,7 billion. Last year, in the same period, the volume was R $ 9,1 billion, and in 2010 it already reached R $ 10,9 billion.

According to the general coordinator of Operation Barreira Fiscal, Reynaldo Braga, at the posts bordering other states, inspection is stronger when products are subject to the tax substitution regime. “The increase in revenue is mainly due to the perception of the risk of punishment that the taxpayer has, if he is in an irregular situation related to the payment of the ICMS. Aware of permanent supervision, he starts to comply with the law ”, says Reynaldo Braga.

Fines for tax evasion imposed from February to July amount to R $ 95.926.450,20. 1.514.892 cargo vehicles were approached, of which 14.529 were assessed. There were 14.264 attempts to escape inspection, but all vehicles ended up being intercepted by agents from the mobile teams. Another 90.453 vehicles were withheld for tax investigation. About 210 people were arrested for active corruption, possession of weapons, contempt, possession of drugs, environmental crime, reception, smuggling and transportation of pirated goods.

Currently, the inspection of Operation Fiscal Barrier is carried out at 14 inspection points, eight fixed and six steering wheels. The objective is to inspect all access to the State of Rio to prevent goods from entering without paying due taxes, in addition to preventing the circulation of illegal products such as weapons and drugs.

Operation Barreira Fiscal takes place for 24 hours, from Sunday to Sunday and counts with 123 income inspectors, 193 military police officers, 145 agents from the State Secretariat of Government, 50 farm agents, in addition to the support of the Federal Revenue and employees of Procon-RJ. They operate on the borders of Rio with the states of Minais Gerais, São Paulo and Espírito Santo in eight fixed inspection posts and six other steering wheels.

(Writing - JB OnLine)