MANILA - The Bureau of Internal Revenue said Monday it ordered the closure of 18 Mann Hann branches, accusing operators of the Chinese restaurant chain of tax deficiencies.

The tax agency said 3 companies that operate the Mann Hann brand underdeclared their sales, resulting in tax deficiencies. It said it found discrepancies between the firms' books and point-of-sale readings.

The BIR said it has closed the main Mann Hann branch in Little Baguio, San Juan City and 17 other outlets in Metro Manila.

Mann Hann's operators were identified as Lim Keng Hua Foods, which runs 7 restaurants; Shin Mann Hann Corp, which runs 4 branches; and MH Capital Food Corp, which has 7 restaurants.

Last year, Lim Keng Hua Foods Corp underdeclared its sales P98,227,372.24, Shin Mann Hann Corp by P138,738,371.82 and MH Capital Foods corp P92,947,662.30, the BIR said.