Peshawar, April 4, 2024 – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has reported a significant increase in tax registrations within the trading community following an extensive market survey.
Zafar Iqbal Khan, Chief Commissioner (Inland Revenue) of the Regional Tax Office (RTO) in Peshawar, revealed these developments during an online open court session held on Thursday.
According to Khan, concerted efforts have been made in collaboration with the trading community to broaden the tax base. He highlighted that as a result of the market survey conducted across various sectors, a staggering 65,364 new taxpayers have been added to the tax roll as of February 2024. Additionally, 21,600 individuals have voluntarily filed tax returns, marking a positive trend towards fostering a tax-compliant culture in the country.
Moreover, Khan announced a significant step undertaken by the FBR to address tax-related issues concerning specific large industries and their directors. A Large Taxpayers’ Zone (LTZ) has been established in Peshawar to provide enhanced facilitation to taxpayers directly at their doorsteps.
Emphasizing the performance of RTO Peshawar, Khan noted that despite a target collection of Rs. 162 billion until February, the office managed to surpass expectations. Through the diligent efforts of Zone Commissioners and their teams, a surplus revenue of Rs. 164 billion was collected and deposited into the national exchequer.
Khan attributed this achievement to the cooperation of taxpayers, whom he regarded as the backbone of the tax collection agency. He underscored the pivotal role of joint efforts between the FBR and taxpayers in driving economic improvement and progress.
Addressing concerns raised during the open court session, Khan took prompt action on a taxpayer’s complaint regarding alleged delays in tax amnesty-related matters. He directed Zonal Commissioners to resolve such complaints within the stipulated time frame, aiming to alleviate unnecessary concerns and financial losses for taxpayers.
Furthermore, Khan reiterated his commitment to prioritizing the resolution of genuine taxpayer issues. He encouraged taxpayers to utilize various channels, including online open courts, direct meetings, or submitting complaints and proposals via WhatsApp, assuring prompt attention and resolution.
During the session, Commissioner Peshawar Zone, Dr. Farooq Jameel, urged consumers to demand FBR-coded receipts of purchase from Point of Sale (POS) terminals. This measure ensures that taxes levied on purchases are duly deposited into the national exchequer, contributing to revenue transparency and accountability.
Commissioner Corporate Zone, Fazal Malik, and Commissioner Withholding, Syed Khalid Shah, provided insights into the legal procedures concerning the levy of advance tax and withholding tax, offering clarity to taxpayers on their obligations.
The surge in tax registrations and the proactive measures taken by the FBR underscore a concerted effort towards enhancing tax compliance and fostering economic stability in Pakistan. As the agency continues to engage with taxpayers and streamline processes, it aims to further bolster revenue collection and contribute to the nation’s development agenda.