Ecuador: Microsoft and Other Companies Closed for Tax Evasion · Global Voices
Milton Ramirez

One of the most recognized newspapers in Ecuador published a note about the local Microsoft branch being closed for at least seven days.  Other Ecuadorian companies like Norberto Odebrecht and Noboa's Banana Exporter are also under suspicion. The reason that Microsoft was closed was that it  did not fill out or submit tax information since February 2007.
The SRI (Servicio de Rentas Internas) accused the company of not presenting requested tax information on two occasions. This is associated to a national campaign headed by Carlos Carrasco, Director of Internal Revenue Services, who indicated that tributary evasion is costing nearly 3 billion dollars, which represents 28.6% of the national budget scheduled for the 2008.
El Universo first published the story, and was soon followed by CNN (Who for unknown reason is not linking the note anymore)  and bloggers such Erebe.net [ES]  and  Linux en Ecuador [ES] group.
Eduardo Palacios [ES] writes:
La inteligente sanción del SRI: cerrar las compañías siete días. Siete días que los negocios dejan de producir y que los clientes no recibirán una atención adecuada. No sería una multa lo más conveniente?
The smart SRI decision: close the companies for seven days. It will be seven days that companies do not produce and the customers wouldn't receive proper attention. Wouldn't be more convenient to issue a fine?
Carlos Jumbo [ES] also mentions the other companies in fault with the Ecuadorian government:
Además de Microsoft del Ecuador, otras empresas como Mega Santa María, Panificadora Ambato, Agape S.A., y Laar Cía. Ltda cumplirán con la misma sanción temporal por los mismos motivos.
Beyond Microsoft of Ecuador, another companies like Mega Saint Mary, Ambato Bakery, Agape S.A. and Laar Cia Ltd. will be temporarily sanctioned because of the same reasons.
Blog for Spanish Readers [ES], however points out that Microsoft is back in business:
De todas maneras para los que quieren encubrir el asunto ya existe la nota que la empresa del Sr. Gates está trabajando nuevamente y hasta se publica la nota acalaratoria donde reconocen haber sido sancionados.