Islamabad, January 10, 2024 – The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has delivered substantial tax relief amounting to Rs 17.74 billion in 2023, surpassing the previous year’s figure of Rs 7 billion.
The announcement was made by FTO Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah during a meeting with Pakistan President Dr. Arif Alvi on Wednesday, shedding light on the institution’s efforts in rectifying cases of maladministration by tax authorities.
In a detailed briefing to President Alvi, Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah revealed that the FTO successfully resolved 8,128 complaints against the maladministration of tax and customs authorities in 2023, compared to 6,106 complaints in the preceding year. The surge in the number of resolved complaints reflects a proactive approach by the FTO in addressing grievances and ensuring justice for taxpayers.
Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah emphasized the noteworthy increase in the registration of complaints, noting a 24% rise with 8,076 complaints filed in 2023, up from 6,480 in 2022. He highlighted the FTO’s commitment to providing free-of-charge justice to complainants within a timeframe of 60 days, with the average disposal time reduced to 44 days during the last year.
During the meeting, the FTO briefed President Alvi on the institution’s overall performance, outreach initiatives, and steps taken to facilitate taxpayers. Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah outlined the FTO’s role as a public-relief-oriented organization, which, through its decisions, provided tax relief to low-paid employees, teachers, salaried individuals, pensioners, and vehicle purchasers.
The FTO is actively working on expanding its outreach by establishing new regional offices, introducing a helpline, and conducting awareness campaigns through seminars and interactions with the business community across the country. Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah also mentioned the FTO’s efforts to leverage social media and mass messaging through cellular companies to create awareness about its role and services in tax matters.
President Alvi commended the FTO’s performance, acknowledging the institution’s significant contribution in providing relief to complainants. He encouraged the FTO to intensify its efforts in registering and resolving complaints, stressing the importance of enhanced coordination between the FTO and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for the timely implementation of decisions and improvements in the tax regime.
President Alvi underscored the vital role of an improved tax system in boosting tax and revenue generation, thereby enhancing the national economy and reducing the country’s dependence on loans. He particularly emphasized the need to provide timely relief to complainants, especially overseas Pakistanis, recognizing their unique challenges in tax matters. The president concluded by urging continued efforts to refine the tax system for the benefit of the nation.
