Islamabad, December 14, 2023 – In a significant development to enhance digital integration within the tax system, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has formed a specialized committee tasked with evaluating applications for the grant of licenses for the integration of registered persons.
The official order, issued on Thursday, outlines the framework for this evaluation process, which falls under the Sales Tax Rules of 2006.
Under the powers conferred by the Sales Tax Act of 1990, Sales Tax Rules of 2006, Income Tax Ordinance of 2001, and Income Tax Rules of 2002, the Member Digital Initiatives has initiated the formation of the committee. The committee, which comprises individuals with expertise in policy, information technology, operational management, and digital initiatives, is set to play a crucial role in streamlining the integration of registered persons under the Sales Tax Rules of 2006.
The committee is chaired by Mr. Afaq Ahmed Qureshi, the Member Policy, and includes key members such as Mr. Nasir Khan (Member IT), Mr. Arshad Nawaz Cheena (Chief-IR Operations), Mr. Abid Naeem (CIO PRAL), Mr. Waseem Ahmed (Senior Analyst PRAL), Mr. Ali Saeed (DC – IR Benami Zone), Mr. Rizwan Sarfraz (Joint Director Track and Trace), and Mr. Samtnar Abbas (Director Digital Invoicing – Digital Initiatives) as the Secretary.
The committee is entrusted with the responsibility of evaluating applications within a stipulated timeframe. According to the official order, the committee is required to recommend or reject any application within fifteen days of its submission. The decision-making process will involve specifying clear reasons for either recommending or rejecting an application. The approved licenses will be granted with the approval of the Member Digital Initiatives, and a comprehensive list of licensees will be published by the FBR.
This move by the FBR aligns with the global trend of digitization and aims to improve the efficiency and transparency of the tax system in Pakistan. The integration of registered persons through digital invoicing applications is expected to streamline processes, reduce manual intervention, and enhance overall compliance.
Stakeholders, including companies interested in obtaining licenses for integration, are encouraged to adhere to the outlined procedures and submit their applications for evaluation. The FBR’s commitment to a timely and transparent evaluation process reflects its dedication to embracing technological advancements and fostering a more digitally integrated tax ecosystem. As the committee begins its work, industry participants and observers are keenly anticipating the outcomes and the subsequent impact on the efficiency of the tax administration in the country.
