PTBA demands probe into fake FBR’s date extension letters

PTBA demands probe into fake FBR’s date extension letters

LAHORE: Pakistan Tax Bar Association (PTBA) has approached law enforcement agencies to probe circulation of fake/forged circulars related to date extension in income tax return filing.

The PTBA – the apex trade body of the country – in an application for lodging FIR against culprits on Saturday informed Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) about the circulation of forged/fake circulars through WhatsApp groups and on Facebook (FB) regarding extension of date for filing of income tax return for tax year 2019.

The said that the last date for filing of income tax returns for tax year 2019 was extended till December 16, 2019 through Circular No. 16/2019 dated November 29, 2019. The date was further extended till December 31, 2019 through circular No. 17/2019 dated December 16, 2019 but a forged /fake circular with similar signature of a government official was circulated in different WhatsApp groups on December 16, 2019 around 2:15pm and TV channels have also broadcasted the same news without verification, whereas the original circular No. 17/2019 dated December 16, 2019 was uploaded on FBR’s official portal around at 5:15pm.

The tax consultants/taxpayers were busy in filing for returns 2019 on December 12, 2019 because of last date for filing returns but suddenly at 3:45pm another forged / fake circular 18/2019 dated December 12, 2019 showing extension till January 31, 2020 was again circulated approx at 8:55 pm in WhatsApp groups, whereas the original circular No. 18/2019 dated December 12, 2019 was uploaded on FBR portal at around 10:55pm.

The PTBA provided fake letters and screenshots of TV channels to the FIA authorities.

“The fake circulars created miserable situation for tax consultants, FBR and taxpayers,” the PTBA said and also suggested media should on air such new after confirmation with relevant authorities,

The PTBA complained that due to such criminal activities the reputation of FBR as well as of tax bars was tarnished.

It is also matter of due consideration that leakage of confidential information affects the goodwill of an institution and it also against the constitution of Pakistan.

The tax bar said that such act of a person circulating the forged/fake extension circular attracts various offences under Prevention of Electronic Crime Act, 2016 as well as offences under Pakistan Penal Code, 1860.