Islamabad, October 1, 2024 – In a significant move to alleviate challenges faced by taxpayers, the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah on Tuesday launched a dedicated taxpayer facilitation desk at the FTO headquarters in collaboration with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
This initiative aims to streamline the tax return filing process and address hardships encountered by taxpayers, as the deadline for filing returns has been extended to October 14, 2024.
The newly established facilitation desk is part of the FTO’s ongoing efforts to enhance taxpayer support and ensure that individuals and businesses can meet their tax obligations with ease. According to an official news release, the desk will provide a range of services to help filers overcome common issues, such as password retrieval and technical difficulties on the FBR’s tax return portal.
Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Our primary objective is to make the tax filing process more accessible and convenient for all taxpayers. By offering direct assistance at the FTO Secretariat, we are ensuring that taxpayers can resolve their issues promptly and meet their deadlines without unnecessary stress.”
The facilitation desk will be staffed by trained FBR officials who are well-versed in handling tax-related matters and are equipped to offer hands-on support to those struggling with filing their returns. The FBR personnel will provide personalized guidance to ensure taxpayers can successfully navigate the online filing system, rectify errors, and retrieve passwords if necessary.
It is important to note that assistance will only be provided in person at the FTO Secretariat in Islamabad. No inquiries will be addressed via phone calls or other remote means, underscoring the need for taxpayers to visit the desk directly for any filing-related issues.
The FTO has urged all taxpayers experiencing difficulties with their returns to avail themselves of this opportunity, assuring them that their concerns will be promptly addressed. This proactive approach reflects the FTO Secretariat’s commitment to providing comprehensive facilitation services and reinforcing taxpayer confidence in the system.
“The FTO remains dedicated to resolving tax-related issues and providing relief to taxpayers,” the statement further read. “We encourage all those facing challenges with their tax returns to visit the facilitation desk and ensure their compliance before the extended deadline.”
With the tax return filing deadline fast approaching, the FTO’s initiative is expected to play a crucial role in easing the tax burden on citizens and contributing to a more efficient and user-friendly tax filing process across the country.
