ROANOKE, Va. – Progress has been made in the Star City to ensure that prepared food and beverage taxes are collected and properly paid to the city.
As a reminder, when you dine out in Roanoke City, part of your bill goes toward a local meals tax, intended to fund city services; however, In October, Roanoke City discovered that several businesses were failing to pay the required tax and charged some owners with embezzlement, which is a felony under the Code of Virginia.
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On Tuesday, Roanoke City Treasurer Tasha Burkett and Commissioner of the Revenue Ryan LaFountain announced that 19 businesses, representing half of the delinquent restaurants, have collaborated with the City to resolve compliance issues and avoid criminal charges.
The Treasurer and the Commissioner of the Revenue’s offices have been working in tandem to ensure that businesses understand and comply with the law.
“We have been working diligently to make contact with businesses,” explains Commissioner Ryan LaFountain, “because we do not want to reach a point where it is necessary to take a business to court. We are pleased that we have made progress so far to reduce delinquency and we remain willing to work with people who are willing to work with us. Communication is key.”
When businesses fail to comply, their cases are referred to the Commonwealth’s Attorney for prosecution.
“Taxes are the primary revenue source by which governments operate,” said Treasurer Tasha Burkett, “so it is critical that we make every effort to collect them. This ensures we can continue providing vital services to our taxpayers.”
