- Bribe Fighter
- 13 years ago
- 2637 views
Thank you fee or Bribe?
Moral Dilemma - service "tip" or bribe
Reported : September 17, 2011 - 09:09 | City : Bangalore
Paid On : September 16, 2011 | Commercial Tax/Sales Tax/VAT PAID0.01
Department: Commercial Tax/Sales Tax/VAT
Office Location: Bda off indiran
Transaction: Others
Bribe Type: corporate
Details: I had some delayed tax filings due to my accountants departure. Even though there was no tax due, I had to file Nil returns for past 4 months. As I did not know the process or login/password I had to go to the office for help.
This guy who helps with online filing gave me good advice to ask the senior officer to ignorenthe fines for delayed filings (Rs 500 per filing or Rs 2500 total). As there were no delayed taxes the senior officer allowed the fines to be ignored. Now after this this guy asked me for Rs 1000. I was both stumped and confused if I should pay him for his good advice and help as I felt it was a straight bribe. It's true too that he did not ask for anything until after he finished the work hence I had more of a dilemma.
I did not pay anything and walked away saying that I am prepared to shut the company if need be but I am worried if I did the right thing and if should have offered him some thank you gesture. I feel that I did the right thing but will be happy to get comments and suggestions on how to handle such situations better.
PS - by the way blatant and open bribing goes on at this office for any one to see. Cash is handed over the customer service counters and shamelessly pocketed by the serving officers. It also seems that the amounts are well established and acceptable to all.
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