Moroccan tax authorities crack down on firms using liquidation to evade taxes

Moroccan tax authorities have intensified investigations into companies suspected of using commercial court procedures to escape large tax debts through fraudulent means.

According to Hespress AR informed sources, investigators have uncovered evidence of forged invoices, falsified financial reports, and fabricated liabilities, tactics allegedly used to persuade judges that certain firms are beyond financial recovery.

These maneuvers enable business owners to exploit Morocco’s commercial code, delaying or erasing tax obligations under the guise of legal restructuring or liquidation.

Two companies based in Casablanca have already been caught submitting fake annual reports certified by an auditor. Officials say the cases are part of a broader network involving repeated appearances of certain consulting firms across multiple suspect files.

Authorities are working in close coordination with commercial courts, particularly in Casablanca, to verify the authenticity of accounting records submitted in judicial settlement or liquidation requests.

Whistleblower tips have also contributed to uncovering alleged attempts by legal representatives to avoid billions of dirhams in debts owed to the government and private suppliers.

In some instances, shareholders have challenged liquidation decisions, accusing company executives of mismanagement and procedural violations. To determine the validity of such claims, the tax administration has been cross-referencing data with customs authorities, the exchange office, and Morocco’s central bank.

Judges have already rejected several settlement petitions after determining that the companies still held assets exceeding their liabilities.

Under Moroccan law, judicial settlement procedures freeze outstanding debts and prioritize repayment. In liquidation, assets are sold and proceeds distributed among creditors, making the process an appealing, yet illegal, loophole for avoiding tax payments.

Officials say investigations will continue and any fraudulent activity will be met with legal action to ensure the state recovers owed tax revenues.