Karachi, March 27, 2024 – In a move aimed at bolstering revenue collection efforts, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has declared full working days during the last weekend of March 2024, suspending the usual observance of weekly holidays.
The decision, announced on Wednesday, comes as part of the FBR’s ongoing efforts to facilitate taxpayers and streamline revenue collection processes. The directive, issued to Chief Commissioners Inland Revenue across various tax offices, mandates extended working hours on both Saturday, March 30, 2024, and Sunday, March 31, 2024, until 4:00 PM.
Taxpayers will now have the opportunity to visit tax offices over the weekend to fulfill their duties and obligations towards the state. This move is expected to alleviate some of the usual rush during weekdays and provide taxpayers with additional flexibility in meeting their tax requirements.
In its communication to tax officials, the FBR emphasized the importance of ensuring seamless coordination with financial institutions to expedite the transfer of collected taxes. Chief Commissioners of Inland Revenue have been specifically instructed to establish close liaison with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and authorized branches of the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) to facilitate the swift transfer of tax revenues to the designated accounts at the SBP.
The directive underscores the FBR’s commitment to enhancing transparency and efficiency in revenue collection processes. By mandating the transfer of collected taxes on the same day to the respective branches of the SBP, the FBR aims to ensure accurate accounting and reporting of revenue collections for the month of March 2024.
Furthermore, the FBR has advised Chief Commissioners Inland Revenue to deploy only essential personnel involved in taxpayer facilitation, return filing, and tax collection and recovery activities during the extended working hours. This strategic deployment of manpower is aimed at optimizing resources while maximizing the effectiveness of taxpayer services.
The decision to observe full working days during the weekend reflects the FBR’s proactive approach towards revenue mobilization and fiscal management. By extending operational hours and leveraging technological solutions, the FBR aims to enhance taxpayer satisfaction and compliance, ultimately contributing to the country’s economic development and stability.
This announcement has been met with mixed reactions from various stakeholders. While some taxpayers appreciate the extended hours, others express concerns about the potential strain on tax officials and the need for adequate support systems to manage the increased workload.
Overall, the FBR’s decision to institute full working days during the last weekend of March 2024 underscores its commitment to fostering a conducive environment for tax compliance and revenue generation, signaling a proactive stance towards achieving fiscal targets and national development objectives.
