Faisalabad, October 30, 2024 – The Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI) welcomed the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) recent decision to exempt old-age citizens and certain sales taxpayers from the requirement of biometric verification. This policy shift addresses long-standing concerns raised by the FCCI regarding the challenges some taxpayers face with biometric technology.
In a statement on Wednesday, FCCI President Rehan Naseem Bharara commended the FBR for its responsiveness, emphasizing that this exemption represents a significant step toward a more inclusive and accommodating tax filing process. Bharara expressed optimism that the move would strengthen collaboration between taxpayers and tax authorities, fostering a more positive and cooperative environment.
The FCCI had actively engaged in discussions with FBR representatives over the past several months, holding multiple meetings and issuing formal correspondence to highlight the challenges faced by old-age citizens and individuals with dermatological conditions, who often struggle with biometric verification due to fingerprint clarity issues.
Previously, the requirement for biometric verification was instituted under SRO 350(1) 2024, mandating biometric checks for all Association of Persons (AOP) entities and individual sales tax filers. In response to the challenges, however, the FBR introduced a provision under Rule 5(4)F that allows sales taxpayers to choose between biometric and non-biometric verification methods, offering greater flexibility in meeting compliance requirements.
Bharara highlighted that age-related changes in fingerprint clarity often render biometric machines ineffective for older individuals, causing frustration and inconvenience. The provision for non-biometric verification demonstrates the FBR’s commitment to facilitating tax compliance, easing procedural burdens, and accommodating diverse taxpayer needs.
The FCCI president encouraged all chamber members to take advantage of this new verification option, emphasizing that it would simplify the filing process for those eligible. Bharara also noted that the FCCI’s advocacy had once again underscored its role as a proactive representative for the business community, demonstrating the chamber’s commitment to addressing specific member concerns and working toward favorable policy changes.
This exemption is expected to benefit a significant number of taxpayers who have faced ongoing difficulties with biometric requirements, reinforcing the FCCI’s position as a vital liaison between the business community and government bodies. As the FBR continues its efforts to balance regulatory oversight with taxpayer convenience, the FCCI remains committed to fostering dialogue and advocating for accessible, fair, and effective tax policies.