Karachi: The Federal Tax Ombudsman South Region facilitated the provision of refunds worth Rs 22 billion last year.
In 2024, the Federal Tax Ombudsman South Region received 13,506 complaints from taxpayers and the agency facilitated the provision of refunds worth Rs 22 billion.
This was stated by Advisor Federal Tax Ombudsman Faiz Elahi Memon while addressing a press conference along with Customs Advisor Gul Rehman, Majid Yousafani and Income Tax Advisor Badruddin Ahmed. He said that 8,000 complaints were received in 2023, while out of 13,500 complaints received in 2024, more than 12,900 were settled.
He said that offices of the Tax Ombudsman were also established in Karachi, Hyderabad and Sukkur. During 2024, 2477 complaints were received from Karachi, while 95.6% of the 12,914 complaints received by all regional offices of the country were resolved. In 2023, 94% of complaints were resolved across the country. 4% could not be resolved because they were received after December 25.
He said that taxpayers are provided with cheap and quick justice free of cost. Complaints are resolved in just 30 days. There is 100% transparency in the justice system. The additional sales tax of Rs 48 million collected from those booking 1000cc vehicles at Pak Suzuki was refunded to the consumers. Similarly, justice was provided to government teachers regarding rebates.
He added that last year, 25 private medical colleges in more than 25 South were suo motu taken notice of the fees and there was no record of their transactions and funds. The FBR was assisted in bringing employees who were drawing large salaries from there into the tax net.
Advisor Federal Tax Ombudsman said that the number of taxpayers in the country is increasing. Last year, 78 outreach sessions were held, including the Federation Chamber of Commerce, Karachi Chamber and industrial zones.
Faiz Elahi Memon said that this year the Federal Tax Ombudsman’s complaints could reach 20,000. The highest number of complaints were received from teachers across the country. We have also contacted the employees of the Arts Council and PTV. He said that a decrease in complaints related to the FBR is possible only if taxpayers show courage and identify corruption with evidence.
