KARACHI: The sales tax law had explained that no suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against the federal government or against any public servant in respect of any order passed in good faith.
The updated Sales Tax Act, 1990 issued by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) explained the bar of suits, prosecution and other legal proceedings under this act.
Section 51: Bar of suits, prosecution and other legal proceedings
Sub-Section (1): No suit shall be brought in any Civil Court to set aside or modify any order passed, any assessment made, any tax levied, any penalty imposed or collection of any tax made under this Act.
Sub-Section (2): No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against the Federal Government or against any public servant in respect of any order passed in good faith under this Act.
Sub-Section (3): Notwithstanding anything in any other law for the time being in force, no investigation or inquiry shall be undertaken or initiated by any governmental agency against any officer or official for anything done in his official capacity under this Act, rules, instructions or direction made or issued thereunder without the prior approval of the Board.
Section 52: Appearance by authorized representative
A registered person required to appear before the Appellate Tribunal or an officer of 2[Inland Revenue] in connection with any proceedings under this Act may, in writing, authorize any person having such qualification as may be prescribed to represent him or appear on his behalf.
Section 52A: e-intermediaries to be appointed
Sub-Section (1): Subject to such conditions, limitations and restrictions, the Board may, by a notification in the official Gazette, appoint a person to electronically file return under Chapter V and such other documents electronically, as may be prescribed from time to time, on behalf of a person registered under section 14.
Sub-Section (2): A person registered under section 14 may authorize an e-intermediary to electronically file return or any other documents, as specified in sub-section (1).
Sub-Section (3): The return or such other documents filed by an e-intermediary on behalf of a registered person shall be deemed to have been filed by that registered person.
Sub-Section (4): Where this Act requires anything to be done by the registered person and if such thing is done by an e-intermediary authorized by the registered person under sub-section (2), unless the contrary is proved, shall be deemed to have been done with the knowledge and consent of such registered person so that in any proceedings under this Act, the registered person shall be liable as if the thing has been done by him.
Sub-Section (5): Where an e-intermediary, authorized by a registered person under sub-section (2) to act on his behalf, knowingly or willfully submits a false or incorrect information or document or declaration with an intent to avoid payment of tax due or any part thereof or claiming a tax credit or a refund that is not due to the registered person, such e-intermediary shall be jointly and severally responsible for recovery of the amount of tax short paid or the amount refunded in excess as a result of such incorrect or false information or document or declaration, without prejudice to any other action that may be taken against him under the relevant provisions of the law.
Sub-Section (6): The Board may, by notification in the official Gazette, prescribe rules for the conduct and transaction of business of e- intermediaries, including their appointment, suspension and cancellation of appointment, subject to such conditions as specified therein.
Section 53: Estate of deceased person
The tax liability of a deceased registered person under the Act shall be the first charge on his estate in the hands of his successors.
Section 54: Estate in bankruptcy
Sub-Section (1): If a registered person is declared bankrupt, the tax liability under this Act shall pass on to the estate in bankruptcy if it continues to operate the business.
Sub-Section (2): If tax liability is incurred by an estate in bankruptcy, the tax is deemed to be a current expenditure in the operations of the estate in bankruptcy and shall be paid before the claims preferred by other creditors are settled.
