“15 people depend on this”

The National Tax and Customs Directorate (DIAN) announced on Friday, June 21, the closure of 19 commercial establishments in Bogotá due to non-compliance in the issuance of the Electronic bill. Among the affected businesses is the renowned Doña Segunda picket yard, located in the 12 de Octubre neighborhood.

During an interview in La W, Doña Segunda, founder of the picketing, expressed her surprise and concern for the closing.

“It seems absurd to me that they did this from one moment to the next. They had demanded some documents that were already delivered a long time ago,” she stated. Doña Segunda also highlighted that in his business between 14 and 15 employees are economically dependentwhose stability work is now compromised.

According to the DIAN, the measure was taken because the picket site does not comply with the obligation to issue electronic invoicesa requirement that applies to all businesses, including restaurants.

Jennifer, daughter of Doña Segunda, clarified during the interview that her establishment has issued electronic invoices since 2020 and that the taxes are paid and declared in accordance with the law. However, he acknowledged that there was a procedural failure that led to the current sanction.

The closure of the picketing area not only affects the employees and Doña Segunda, but also the regular customers who were hoping to enjoy traditional dishes during the weekend. Jennifer indicated that they are working to resolve the pending issues with the DIAN and plan to send an official notification to the press on Monday, detailing the steps to follow to remedy the situation.

Doña Segunda called on the authorities so that they reconsider the measure and allow them continue operating while procedural aspects are resolved.

“I hope they solve this problem because I am paying all taxes and complying with what the law orders”, he emphasized.

The use of electronic invoices has become a legal obligation for all businesses in Colombia, as part of an effort to improve transparency and fiscal control. However, the Implementation of this system has generated challenges for some small and medium businesseswho face technical and administrative difficulties to comply with all requirements.