FBR not to take action without documentary evidence –Rana Seerat

The corruption is not acceptable in any case in the department as the efforts are afoot to reduce corruption, said Rana Seerat, Chief Commissioner, Large Taxpayers Unit (LTU) said while addressing a gathering of businessmen at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry.  Ayesha Khalid, Commissioner Inland Revenue Enforcement and Nadir Mumtaz Warriach, Commissioner Inland Revenue Audit also accompanied the Chief Commissioner.

Commissioner emphasized that serious action shall be taken against the tax officials, who are found involved in corrupt practices and emphasized to bring such cases in her notice for taking legal action. She was of the view that people don’t want to pay taxes and stressed to change that culture.

LTU has specific jurisdiction and it facilitates FBR in increasing taxes, whereas, information is passed on to FBR about potential taxpayers. Policy decisions are made at FBR level but LTU puts efforts in facilitating taxpayers, she said.

Rana Seerat said that without documentary evidence, department cannot take actions and if in case there are issues these must be brought into her attention.

Commissioner said that Chamber has always played a positive role in increasing tax collection and needed further cooperation of Chamber in this respect. She said that feedback of the Chamber shall be forwarded to FBR for finding solution of highlighted issues.

She said that there are lesser cases in LTU therefore; officers do detailed scrutiny of the cases. LTU has to meet the given tax targets and informed that department shall try to facilitate for speedy decisions in appeals.

Shaban Khalid President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry said that tax culture has started changing but FBR has set very aggressive goals.

He emphasized that FBR should not follow the policy of milking the same old cows, the existing taxpayers and put focus on increasing tax net along with increasing tax revenue. He suggested that FBR should emphasize for broadening the tax base by enhancing the tax to GDP ratio.

President said that notices of unreasonable amount are served without any concrete evidence with the expectation that higher amount notice will yield better results of recovery.

Islamabad Chamber shall put all efforts in facilitating the department to increase tax net and stressed that tax officials should not create sense of unease in the community.