MOSCOW (Dow Jones)--Russian far east-based state-owned telecommunications company OAO Dalsvyaz (ESPK.RS) said Wednesday it received a 718 million rubles ($1=RUB28.19) back-tax claim for 2001 and 2002, equivalent to $25.47 million.
This is the first time a state-owned telecommunications company faces a back-tax claim. In December, privately-owned and much wealthier mobile phone operators OAO Vimpel Communications (VIP) and OAO MegaFon (MGF.YY) faced $35 million and $3.75 million tax claims respectively.
Dalsvyaz said it was "surprised by the actual decision and the sum of the claims" and plans to go to court to prove its case.
Its pretax profit for the 2001 to 2002 period totaled RUB484 million.
Dalsvyaz said the tax authorities have regularly audited the company since it was created in 1994 and even sent a "thank-you letter" for properly abiding by tax laws in 2001.
Company Web site: http://www.dsv.ru
-By Anna Ivanova-Galitsina, Dow Jones Newswires; 7095-974-8055; anna.galitsina@dowjones.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires "
Posted to the site on 9th February 2005
Posted to: www.cellular-news.com/story/11958.php