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Officials from the state Division of Taxation inspected 20 retail businesses and barber shops in Asbury Park and Neptune Township last week to investigate possible tax compliance issues and whether sales of untaxed cigarettes and cigars or other contraband were taking place.

Apparent violations were noted by Office of Criminal Investigation agents at 16 of the 20 businesses that were inspected, according to William Quinn, communications officer for the state Treasury Department of which the Division of Taxation is a part. No charges have been filed yet as investigations are ongoing.

“Based on the inspections, it was determined that six businesses appeared to be operating without having registered with the Sate of New Jersey Division of Taxation as required by law,” according to a statement from the division of taxation.

These six locations could not produce proof of either a New Jersey Division of Taxation Business Registration or a Certificate of Authority, the statement said. The certificate allows a New Jersey business to collect sales tax on behalf of the Division of Taxation’s behalf and then file and remit all tax to the Division.

Several barber shops where the operator could not produce proof they obtained a license from the New Jersey Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling as required by state law were among the six businesses, the statement said.

In addition, five businesses appeared to have untaxed cigarettes and five appeared to have untaxed cigars for sale on their premises.

The Office of Criminal Investigation also seized cigarettes sold loose or in cartons without proper New Jersey tax stamps, cigars, pirated or bootlegged CDs and DVDs and designer label or brand name shoes, scarves, purses and other clothing, according to the statement.

In addition, prescription drugs, drug paraphernalia and weapons were seized by local law enforcement officers from Asbury Park and Neptune, according to the statement. Those municipalities’ police departments assisted with investigations.

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