Taiwan bans tax evaders from taxis

Taiwan has banned repeat tax evaders from engaging in activities considered wasteful, including taking taxis.

Several people who owe more than 10 million Taiwan dollars ($331,000) in tax but have been found to be living in extravagant style have received "anti-extravagance" orders, a justice ministry official said.

"Since they owe the government a lot of money, they are banned from spending more than 2,000 Taiwan dollars ($68) on a single purchase and using expensive transportation means such as taxis or high-speed trains," the official said.

The government will monitor the spending of the repeat evaders, he added, warning they could face detention if violating the order.

Taiwan last year adopted an anti-extravagance law on tax evaders due to a public outcry after a tycoon who owed about 300 million Taiwan dollars in tax was found to be frequenting luxury boutiques.

The government last week unveiled the list of top tax evaders for the first time and encouraged the public to keep a close eye on them in a fresh bid to collect overdue tax.