RTO Hyderabad and marriage hall operators have agreed to use reliable industry data to improve voluntary tax compliance under Section 236D.
The Regional Tax Office (RTO) Hyderabad and representatives of the Marriage Hall Association Hyderabad Region have agreed on an evidence-based approach to improve voluntary compliance with tax requirements under Section 236D of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.
The agreement was reached during a meeting at the office of Chief Commissioner RTO Hyderabad, Sajjad Akbar, attended by senior tax officials and representatives of the Marriage Hall Association, including SV President Syed Nasir Ali, Shahid Qureshi, Zaheer Naghar and Wahid Sija.
Focus on Voluntary Tax Compliance
The meeting discussed ways to encourage marriage hall operators to fulfil their tax obligations without unnecessary enforcement or penal proceedings where matters can be resolved through cooperation and voluntary compliance.
Officials noted that a relatively small number of association members currently comply with tax deduction requirements under Section 236D of the Income Tax Ordinance.
The participants reviewed the practical requirements for determining tax-related amounts associated with functions and gatherings. Discussions covered prevailing booking and function rates, the number and nature of events, occupancy levels and seasonal variations.
Industry Conditions to Guide Tax Assessment
The meeting also considered differences between marriage halls based on location, size and category, along with other relevant business factors.
Both sides agreed that parameters used for tax purposes should reflect actual market conditions and be supported by reliable, verifiable and representative industry data.
Marriage Hall Association representatives acknowledged their responsibility to ensure compliance with Section 236D and expressed their willingness to facilitate the proper collection and deposit of taxes lawfully due.
RTO Assures Fair and Transparent Approach
Chief Commissioner Sajjad Akbar assured the association representatives of the department’s cooperation and reiterated RTO Hyderabad’s commitment to a fair, transparent, reasonable and evidence-based approach to tax compliance.
The department will continue engaging with marriage hall operators to facilitate compliance while discouraging concealment, suppression or understatement of amounts relevant for taxation.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to cooperation, goodwill and a transparent, evidence-based approach to compliance with Section 236D of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.