Finance Act 2020: wealth statement cannot be revised after five years

Finance Act 2020: wealth statement cannot be revised after five years

ISLAMABAD: A wealth statement cannot be revised after the expiry of five years from the date of filing of income tax return, officials at Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

The amendment has been approved by the National Assembly by passing the Finance Act, 2020. The amendment has been introduced in sub-section 3 of Section 116 to Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.

The sources said that under Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 taxpayers had already been allowed to revise their wealth statement by providing reasons for the revision and before any notice issued by a tax office in this regard.

However, through amendment Commissioner Inland Revenue has been empowered to declare the revised wealth statement if he found any ill intention of the taxpayer.

According to the amendment: “Provided that where the commissioner is of the opinion that the revision under this sub-section is not for the purpose of correcting a bona fide omission or wrong statement, he may declare such revision as void through an order in writing after providing and opportunity of being heard.”

An explanation has also been included through amendment which said: “For the removal of doubt it is clarified that wealth statement cannot be revised after the expiry of five years from the due date of filing of return of income for the tax year.”

A taxpayer is required to file wealth statement under Section 116 along with annual income tax return by providing particulars included:

(a) the person’s total assets and liabilities as on the date or dates specified in such notice;

(b) the total assets and liabilities of the person’s spouse, minor children, and other dependents as on the date or dates specified in such notice;

(c) any assets transferred by the person to any other person during the period or periods specified in such notice and the consideration for the transfer;

(d) the total expenditures incurred by the person, and the person’s spouse, minor children, and other dependents during the period or periods specified in the notice and the details of such expenditures; and

(e) the reconciliation statement of wealth.