OREANDA-NEWS. January 28, 2010. Uralkali (Berezniki, Perm Territory) has received the demand to pay 803 million roubles in tax, fines and penalties for 2005–2006 from the Interdistrict Inspectorate No. 3 of the Federal Tax Service for Major Taxpayers.

Uralkali reported in September 2009, in its IFRS interim financial statement for the first six months of 2009, that the company had received a field tax audit report for 2005–2006.  In this audit the tax authorities stated that in October 2006 the company should have been charged 604 million roubles in mineral extraction tax in relation to the Mine 1 accident.

In October 2009 Uralkali received the decision on tax liability of the Interdistrict Inspectorate No. 3 of the Federal Tax Service for Major Taxpayers. The tax authority proposed that Uralkali pay 613 million roubles in tax for 2005–2006 together with a penalty charge and penalty interest. This amount included about 604 million roubles in mineral extraction tax for October 2006 (the tax period during which the Mine 1 accident occurred).

Uralkali appealed the decision of the Interdistrict Inspectorate.  On December, 25th, 2009 the Federal Tax Service refused Uralkali’s appeal.

Uralkali‘s position on this issue has not changed. It believes that the conclusions of the tax authority are without merit and it intends to challenge this decision in accordance with the relevant law.

According to the current legislation, in cases where judicial bodies will not suspend the tax authority demand, Uralkali should pay the demand before the dispute is considered in court.