Karachi: Federal Tax Ombudsman Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah has said that more than 11,000 tax-related complaints were received this year, of which 94 percent were decided immediately. According to the law, the Federal Tax Ombudsman is authorized to decide within 60 days, but for the convenience of the taxpayer, the average decision is being made in 37 days.
The Federal Tax Ombudsman expressed these views while addressing the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI). He said that steps are being taken to create awareness among the public and the business community about the FTO. The position of the Federal Tax Ombudsman is equivalent to that of a respected judge of the Supreme Court and an appeal against the decision of the FTO can be made only to the President of the country.
He said that out of the appeals that went to the President of Pakistan, the decisions of the Federal Tax Ombudsman were upheld in 98 percent of the appeals. He said that in the year 2021, a refund complaint worth Rs 17.8 billion was resolved.
Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah said that after assuming office, the number of regional offices was increased, which increased the public’s access to the FTO. Taxpayers can contact the FTO immediately without fear for any kind of complaint, in this regard, the FBR Chairman also issued a decision according to which no notice or audit order can be issued against the complainant in case of any complaint.
Earlier, KATI President Junaid Naqi said that in the current situation, the problems of taxpayers have increased immensely, the incidents of harassment of industrialists and business community by FBR officials are increasing day by day, unnecessary notices and harassment by the authorities in the name of audit.
He said that numerous complaints are received from industrialists in which they are harassed by sending unjustified notices. There are also many difficulties in filing tax returns, the FBR system remains sluggish, the filer has to pay the price.
He said that the problems of industrialists’ refunds are increasing, FBR officials stop refunds without reason, which is increasing the difficulties of industrialists and the shortage of capital. Instead of expanding the tax net in Pakistan, additional burden is being placed on existing taxpayers. The FBR’s measures to increase the tax net are insufficient, only 30 percent of the economy is documented, which needs to be increased.
