In a move aimed at reducing administrative burdens and facilitating compliant taxpayers, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has eliminated the requirement of submitting balance sheets detailing assets and liabilities alongside monthly sales tax returns for those already enlisted with the sales tax department.
This decision comes in the wake of recent amendments to the sales tax registration rules of 2006 under SRO 350 (I)/2024, introduced by the FBR to combat tax fraud effectively. Tax experts have lauded these revisions, which are designed to plug existing loopholes and mitigate the risk of tax evasion. A tax expert, emphasized that the amendments introduced various restrictions to enhance the integrity of the tax system.
The catalyst for this change was the discovery of significant tax fraud involving the issuance of fake invoices to circumvent electronic system checks. To address this challenge, the FBR had initially imposed stricter conditions, including mandating balance sheet filings for new registrations and certain existing registrants within specific classes. However, this led to confusion among existing registrants, particularly after the Eid holidays, as they were unaware of this requirement, resulting in a chaotic situation within the trade community.
In response to representations from tax bars, trade bodies, and business forums, the FBR has decided to ease the requirement, thereby lifting the electronic filing check. This adjustment, outlined in notification SRO 581 dated April 18, 2024, is expected to alleviate the burden on genuine businesses and enable them to file their monthly sales tax returns more smoothly.
Tax experts have urged the FBR to strike a delicate balance between tax compliance and simplification, advocating for the reduction of unnecessary compliances, limitations, and conditions. They contend that while the FBR possesses sufficient legal provisions to access essential information and conduct audits and assessments, imposing electronic barriers could hinder regular monthly filings. Such measures, they argue, are counterproductive to efforts aimed at expanding the tax base and adopting a taxpayer-friendly approach.
Overall, the decision to remove the balance sheet requirement for tax return filing represents a step in the right direction towards enhancing efficiency and promoting a more conducive environment for compliant taxpayers. As the FBR continues to refine its policies and procedures, maintaining this balance will be crucial in fostering a tax regime that is both effective and taxpayer-friendly.
