Tag: FBR

FBR, Pakistan’s national tax collecting agency, plays a crucial role in the country’s economy. Pakistan Revenue is committed to providing readers with the latest updates and developments regarding FBR activities.

  • FBR unveils plan to achieve Rs7.47 trillion revenue collection target

    FBR unveils plan to achieve Rs7.47 trillion revenue collection target

    ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has unveiled strategy to achieve revenue collection target of Rs7.47 trillion during the ongoing fiscal year 2022-2023.

    Officials in the FBR on Thursday said that revenue target for 2022-2023 has been fixed at Rs7.47 trillion which demands growth of 21.5 per cent over the collection of Rs6.148 trillion made during the last fiscal year.

    READ MORE: Customs officer awarded major penalty of rank demotion

    In absolute terms, around Rs1.32 trillion additional revenues are to be collected by the FBR in the current fiscal year to meet the target.

    The target for 2022-2023 is challenging given the fact that government is focusing on controlling the current account deficit and rising inflation which would result in import contraction and slowdown in the overall GDP growth.

    READ MORE: FBR surpasses first quarter collection target by Rs27 billion

    Nonetheless, FBR is confident that its team has the ability and the resolve to accomplish this gigantic task as an upward revised target has already been achieved for the financial year ended on June 30, 2022.

    “To achieve the target several efforts are being made at policy as well as operational levels. There is focus on enhanced use of technology and a policy shift towards taxing the high-income groups through direct taxation such as the imposition of Super Tax, Poverty Alleviation Tax, revision of individual tax slabs including salaried class, increase in Federal Excise Duty (FED) on international air travel, increased tax on luxury motor vehicles etc,” according to the officials.

    READ MORE: FBR extends return filing date up to October 31, 2022

    Keeping in view the past performance of FBR and the revenue measures taken during the current budget there are high hopes of achieving the tax target for fiscal year 2022-2023.

    READ MORE: LTO Karachi collects PKR 456 billion in 1QFY23

  • FBR surpasses first quarter collection target by Rs27 billion

    FBR surpasses first quarter collection target by Rs27 billion

    ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has surpassed the revenue collection target assigned for July – September 2022-2023 by Rs27 billion.

    The FBR in a statement issued on Friday stated that the target of the first quarter of the current financial year has also been surpassed by achieving Rs1635 billion against the target of Rs1609 billion and the growth is more than 17 per cent for the quarter. FBR has collected Rs27 billion in excess of the target.

    READ MORE: FBR extends return filing date up to October 31, 2022

    These figures would further improve before the close of the day, the FBR said.

    The FBR released the provisional revenue collection figures for the month of September and the first quarter of the current financial year.

    The revenue body collected net revenue of Rs685 billion during the month of September against the target of Rs684 billion which is 27 per cent higher than the collection of September last year.

    This performance in revenue collection is despite zero rating of Sales Tax on POL products, import compression and the prevailing situation of floods.

    READ MORE: LTO Karachi collects PKR 456 billion in 1QFY23

    This impressive growth is primarily based on the 41 per cent growth in direct taxes in the first quarter which is in line with the policy of the government to tax the rich and affluent.

    The revenue performance is reflective of robust revenue mobilization strategy of FBR and effective enforcement by the field formations.

    READ MORE: Dar appreciates FBR for taxing rich

    On the other hand, the amount of refunds of Rs84 billion disbursed during the first quarter against Rs62 billion in the first quarter of the last year which is 35.5 per cent higher.

    FBR expresses its profound gratitude to all the taxpayers who have made possible this remarkable record collection during the first quarter of the year.

    READ MORE: FBR issues procedure, collection of capital value tax

  • FBR extends return filing date up to October 31, 2022

    FBR extends return filing date up to October 31, 2022

    ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Friday granted one month extension in filing of income tax return for tax year 2022.

    The FBR issued Circular No. 16 of 2022 and extended date of filing of income tax returns for tax year 2022.

    According to the circular the FBR extended the date for annual return filing up to October 31, 2022 from September 30, 2022.

    Chambers and association have approached the FBR to extend the last date for filing income tax return, which is expiring on September 30, 2022.

    READ MORE: FBR allows refund adjustment to facilitate return filing

    Muhammad Idrees, President, Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) in a letter sent to the Finance Minister requested to issue to the FBR for extension in last date for filing income tax returns from September 30, 2022 to December 31, 2022 keeping in view the unusual situation emerging all over the country due to recent rainfalls and flash floods.

    He stated that the chamber was constantly being approached by the members of the business and industrial community and also by the people belonging to different walks of life who wanted the last date to be extended till December 31, 2022.

     “Due imposition of ban on imports which was followed by unusual situation all over the country emerging after torrential rainfalls and flashfloods, the taxpayers, particularly the members of the business & industrial community, are facing a lot of problems as a large portion of receivables from various parts of the country badly hit by floods are still pending,” he said.

    READ MORE: FPCCI seeks statutory time for return filing after error removals

    It was a well-known fact that the business, commercial, agricultural and all other activities in the flood-hit areas have come to a total halt which has created serious cashflow issues and it will take at least two more months to return to normalcy.

    In this scenario, it has become inevitable to provide relief to loyal taxpayers in shape of extension in last date hence, keeping in view the ground realities, he requested the Finance Minister to order FBR to extend the last date for filing income returns to December 31, 2022 which will be widely welcomed by the loyal taxpayers from all over the country.

    Besides, the return filing portal is also encountered with some glitches which the tax practitioners said those were not removed so far.

    Karachi Tax Bar Association (KTBA) recently highlighted problems on the online return form. It said Column for adjustment of brought forward capital losses under the head of capital gains is not available in Income tax return form due to which tax on capital gain cannot be calculated correctly.

    The Column of tax credit for specified industrial undertakings u/s 65G of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 is inadvertently available in the Tax Credits Annexure of income tax return for salaried individuals, which has no correlation with such tax credit.

    READ MORE: FBR advised to extend tax return filing date for three months

    Although the rate of tax on contract receipts under section 153 was reduced from 7.5 per cent to 7 per cent for Tax Year 2022, however, there is no column for such reduced rate in the return for the TY 2022 available on IRIS.

    The draft of manual return forms for the Individuals and AOPs for the Tax Year 2022 was issued belatedly on August 26, 2022, whereas the final SRO. 1733(1)/2022 was issued on September 13, 2022 meaning thereby only 17 days of time has been allowed to file the manual returns, which is insufficient as provided under the law.

    The IRIS portal is calculating incorrect tax liability on gain on sale of immovable properties in violation of section 37(1A) of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 which needs to be taken care off as soon as possible.

    The IRIS portal is calculating incorrect tax on profit/yield on Bahbood Certificates/ Pensioner’s Benefit Account/ Shuhada Family Welfare Account in violation of clause (6) of Part-III, 2nd Schedule of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, which provides that tax shall not exceed 10 percent of such Profit/ Yield.

    There lies no option list in drop downs country and currency under Code “7006” having description “Investment (Non-Business) (Account / Annuity / Bond / Certificate / Debenture / Deposit / Fund / Instrument / Policy / Share / Stock / Unit, etc.)” due to which a taxpayer remains unable to file the Foreign Income & Assets Statement under section 116A(1) of the Ordinance.

    READ MORE: PTBA suggests measures to resolve refund adjustment ahead return filing deadline

    Opening wealth is being shown in “Reconciliation of Net Assets” Value of opening net assets is being shown under code ‘703002’ despite the fact that the taxpayer’s residency status is selected as “non-resident” for Tax Year 2022 after which, he should not be required to file the wealth statement including reconciliation of net assets.

    The withholding rates on payment of Dividend @ 7.5 per cent, 15 per cent and 25 per cent, (under section 150 of the Ordinance) are appearing in the Income Tax Return Form of “Income for a person deriving income only from salary and other sources and the Column Code 64330052 (Dividend u/s 150 @25 per cent) is missing.

    Proviso was inserted under section 22(2) of the Tax Ordinance by Finance Act, 2020 whereby depreciation on additions to fixed assets made after 01-Jul-2020 would be reduced by 50 per cent However, when entries related to written down values are entered in in depreciation schedule as opening values, the IRIS is calculating depreciation at 50 per cent on total values.

  • LTO Karachi collects PKR 456 billion in 1QFY23

    LTO Karachi collects PKR 456 billion in 1QFY23

    The Large Taxpayers Office (LTO) Karachi, the flagship revenue collection arm of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), has demonstrated exceptional performance by collecting a staggering PKR 456.4 billion during the first quarter of the fiscal year 2022/2023 (July – September).

    (more…)
  • Dar appreciates FBR for taxing rich

    Dar appreciates FBR for taxing rich

    ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Ishaq Dar on Thursday appreciated the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for taxing the rich.

    The finance minister presided over a meeting on the revenue performance during his visit to the FBR Headquarter.

    READ MORE: FBR issues procedure, collection of capital value tax

    He appreciated the work done by FBR in terms of increasing the share of direct taxes (income tax and capital value tax) in the total share of taxes as compared to last year through important tax measures taken this year for taxing the rich.

    The finance minister also highlighted the importance of taxpayers’ engagement in devising tax policies and revenue collection efforts.

    READ MORE: FBR may extend date for return filing tax year 2022

    FBR chairman Asim Ahmad extended a warm welcome to the Minister on behalf of the FBR team.

    The chairman gave the presentation and explained various revenue initiatives taken by FBR and issues currently being faced in revenue administration.

    READ MORE: FBR allows refund adjustment to facilitate return filing

    It was briefed to the minister that FBR has successfully achieved its monthly targets for the months of July and August, 2022 and will also achieve the quarterly target up to September, 2022.

    This performance is despite the slowing down of economy in the month of September due to floods, import contraction and shrinking of demand due to inflation in the country as well as no sales tax on petroleum products.

    READ MORE: FPCCI seeks statutory time for return filing after error removals

    The finance minister appreciated the FBR team for their efforts in meeting the targets. He assured the team that he will extend full support in the performance of their duties and will engaged with them frequently.

    He advised the FBR team to position themselves to the quick changes in economic outlook. Dar further advised the FBR to increase its efforts to achieve the true tax potential.

  • FBR issues procedure, collection of capital value tax

    FBR issues procedure, collection of capital value tax

    ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Thursday issued procedure and collection of capital value tax (CVT).

    The government through Finance Act, 2022 imposed capital value tax on sale of immovable properties and motor vehicles.

    Following are the procedure and collection of the CVT.

    READ MORE: FBR may extend date for return filing tax year 2022

    Declaration of assets. – (1) Every person who is liable to pay capital value tax on assets mentioned in clauses (b) and (c) of sub-section (2) of section 8 of Finance Act, 2022 shall file the electronic declaration in Iris as set out in the Form- A attached to these rules.

    (2) The value of foreign assets shall be converted in rupees as per ready transactions exchange rates for mark to market revaluation notified by the State Bank of Pakistan applicable for the last day of the tax year.

    Statements to be filed by persons collecting capital value tax on motor vehicle. – (l) Every motor vehicle registration authority or a manufacturer or a person selling motor vehicle through auction liable to collect CVT in respect of motor vehicle in Pakistan shall furnish to the Commissioner a quarterly electronic statement in Iris as per schedule mentioned in sub-section (2) of section 165 of the Ordinance.

    (2) Every person liable to collect CVT in respect of motor vehicle in Pakistan shall also furnish to the Commissioner an annual electronic statement in Iris for the relevant tax year within thirty days of the end of tax year, in addition to statement to be filed under sub-rule (1) of this rule.

    READ MORE: FBR allows refund adjustment to facilitate return filing

    (3) The provisions of sub-sections (2A), (2B) and (4) of section 165 of the Ordinance shall, in so far as relevant, apply to statements filed under this rule.

    (4) The statement shall be filed in the manner as provided in Iris.

    Collection of capital value tax. (1) The tax required to be collected by a registration authority, manufacturer or a person selling motor vehicle through auction shall be paid by way of credit to the Federal Government through a computerized payment receipt (CPR) or SWAPS payment receipt (SPR) as set out in the Form ‘B’ attached to these rules.

    READ MORE: FPCCI seeks statutory time for return filing after error removals

    (2) The person required to pay tax in respect of foreign assets or assets specified by the Federal Government shall pay tax by way of credit to the Federal Government through a computerized payment receipt (CPR) at time the income tax return for the tax year is due for payment of tax on foreign movable assets, as set out in the Form ‘C-l’ and for payment of tax on foreign immovable assets, as set out in the Form ‘C-2’ appended to these rules.

    (3) All sums being capital value tax collected under section 8 of the Finance Act, 2022, shall be paid by way of credit to the Federal Government by remittance into the government treasury or in the authorized branches of the State Bank of Pakistan or the National Bank of Pakistan, –

    READ MORE: FBR advised to extend tax return filing date for three months

    (i) on the same day in case these have been collected by or on behalf of government;

    (ii) in other cases, such amount shall be paid within one week from the date of such collection.

  • FBR may extend date for return filing tax year 2022

    FBR may extend date for return filing tax year 2022

    ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) likely to extend the last date for filing income tax return for tax year 2022 considering the prevailing situation due to floods and technical issues on the online return form.

    The last date for filing income tax return for tax year 2022 is September 30, 2022. The FBR already announced that it would not extend the date and urged the taxpayers to make compliance within due date.

    READ MORE: FBR allows refund adjustment to facilitate return filing

    Sources in the FBR said that although no decision had been taken so far in this regard. However, the revenue body was considering seriously on the date extension sought by the business community.

    Chambers and association have approached the FBR to extend the last date for filing income tax return, which is expiring on September 30, 2022.

    Muhammad Idrees, President, Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) in a letter sent to the Finance Minister requested to issue to the FBR for extension in last date for filing income tax returns from September 30, 2022 to December 31, 2022 keeping in view the unusual situation emerging all over the country due to recent rainfalls and flash floods.

    He stated that the chamber was constantly being approached by the members of the business and industrial community and also by the people belonging to different walks of life who wanted the last date to be extended till December 31, 2022.

    READ MORE: FPCCI seeks statutory time for return filing after error removals

    “Due imposition of ban on imports which was followed by unusual situation all over the country emerging after torrential rainfalls and flashfloods, the taxpayers, particularly the members of the business & industrial community, are facing a lot of problems as a large portion of receivables from various parts of the country badly hit by floods are still pending,” he said.

    It was a well-known fact that the business, commercial, agricultural and all other activities in the flood-hit areas have come to a total halt which has created serious cashflow issues and it will take at least two more months to return to normalcy.

    In this scenario, it has become inevitable to provide relief to loyal taxpayers in shape of extension in last date hence, keeping in view the ground realities, he requested the Finance Minister to order FBR to extend the last date for filing income returns to December 31, 2022 which will be widely welcomed by the loyal taxpayers from all over the country.

    Besides, the return filing portal is also encountered with some glitches which the tax practitioners said those were not removed so far.

    READ MORE: FBR advised to extend tax return filing date for three months

    Karachi Tax Bar Association (KTBA) recently highlighted problems on the online return form. It said Column for adjustment of brought forward capital losses under the head of capital gains is not available in Income tax return form due to which tax on capital gain cannot be calculated correctly.

    The Column of tax credit for specified industrial undertakings u/s 65G of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 is inadvertently available in the Tax Credits Annexure of income tax return for salaried individuals, which has no correlation with such tax credit.

    Although the rate of tax on contract receipts under section 153 was reduced from 7.5 per cent to 7 per cent for Tax Year 2022, however, there is no column for such reduced rate in the return for the TY 2022 available on IRIS.

    The draft of manual return forms for the Individuals and AOPs for the Tax Year 2022 was issued belatedly on August 26, 2022, whereas the final SRO. 1733(1)/2022 was issued on September 13, 2022 meaning thereby only 17 days of time has been allowed to file the manual returns, which is insufficient as provided under the law.

    The IRIS portal is calculating incorrect tax liability on gain on sale of immovable properties in violation of section 37(1A) of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 which needs to be taken care off as soon as possible.

    The IRIS portal is calculating incorrect tax on profit/yield on Bahbood Certificates/ Pensioner’s Benefit Account/ Shuhada Family Welfare Account in violation of clause (6) of Part-III, 2nd Schedule of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, which provides that tax shall not exceed 10 percent of such Profit/ Yield.

    READ MORE: PTBA suggests measures to resolve refund adjustment ahead return filing deadline

    There lies no option list in drop downs country and currency under Code “7006” having description “Investment (Non-Business) (Account / Annuity / Bond / Certificate / Debenture / Deposit / Fund / Instrument / Policy / Share / Stock / Unit, etc.)” due to which a taxpayer remains unable to file the Foreign Income & Assets Statement under section 116A(1) of the Ordinance.

    Opening wealth is being shown in “Reconciliation of Net Assets” Value of opening net assets is being shown under code ‘703002’ despite the fact that the taxpayer’s residency status is selected as “non-resident” for Tax Year 2022 after which, he should not be required to file the wealth statement including reconciliation of net assets.

    The withholding rates on payment of Dividend @ 7.5 per cent, 15 per cent and 25 per cent, (under section 150 of the Ordinance) are appearing in the Income Tax Return Form of “Income for a person deriving income only from salary and other sources and the Column Code 64330052 (Dividend u/s 150 @25 per cent) is missing.

    Proviso was inserted under section 22(2) of the Tax Ordinance by Finance Act, 2020 whereby depreciation on additions to fixed assets made after 01-Jul-2020 would be reduced by 50 per cent However, when entries related to written down values are entered in in depreciation schedule as opening values, the IRIS is calculating depreciation at 50 per cent on total values.

  • Customs examiner penalized for submitting misleading lab reports

    Customs examiner penalized for submitting misleading lab reports

    ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has imposed major penalty upon a Customs chemical examiner for submitting wrong / misleading laboratory reports.

    According to details disciplinary proceedings under the Civil Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules, 2020 were initiated against Aftab Ahmad, Assistant Chemical Examiner (BS-17), while posted at Collectorate of Customs, Port Muhammad Bin Qasim, Karachi on July 13, 2021.

    READ MORE: FBR allows refund adjustment to facilitate return filing

    Engr. Habib Ahmed the then Additional Collector (PCS/BS-19), Collectorate of Customs (Exports), Karachi was appointed as Inquiry Officer to conduct inquiry on account of various omission and commission committed by the accused officer constituting “Inefficiency” and “Misconduct”.

    The inquiry officer submitted in the report on April 09, 2022 according to which the charges of “Inefficiency” and “Misconduct” were established against the accused officer.

    On the basis of inquiry report, a show cause notice was issued on May 28, 2022 to Aftab Ahmad, Assistant Chemical Examiner (BS-17), Collectorate of Customs Appraisement (West), Karachi.

    READ MORE: FPCCI seeks statutory time for return filing after error removals

    He submitted reply to the Show Cause Notice, which was received in the Board on June 29, 2022, wherein he denied all the allegations/charges and requested that the Show Cause Notice is illegal and requires to be withdrawn.

    He also requested personal hearing enabling him to explain his case in person as well.

    In order to meet the ends of justice, opportunity of personal hearing was granted to the accused and the Authority appointed Member (Admn/HR) as Hearing Officer.

    On August 22, 2022, the accused officer appeared before the Hearing Officer. During the course of personal hearing, the submissions made by the accused officer were found without evidence and merits for submitting wrong/misleading laboratory test reports.

    READ MORE: FBR advised to extend tax return filing date for three months

    Moreover, the Hearing Officer had observed that the accused officer had nothing new to say in his defense. Accordingly, the case was submitted to the Authority i.e. Secretary Revenue Division/Chairman, FBR for decision.

    The Authority i.e. Secretary Revenue Division/Chairman, FBR, after having carefully considered the record of the case, the Inquiry Report, reply to the Show Cause Notice and submission made by the accused during the personal hearing before the Hearing Officer, observed that charges of “Inefficiency” and “Misconduct” under Rule 3(a) & (b) of Civil Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules, 2020 stand established against the accused officer.

    READ MORE: PTBA suggests measures to resolve refund adjustment ahead return filing deadline

    The Authority, therefore, imposed major penalty of “Reduction to a Lower Post as Deputy Assistant Chemical Examiner (BS-16)” for a period of three (3) years”, upon Aftab Ahmad, Assistant Chemical Examiner (BS-17), under Rule 4(3)(b) of the Civil Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules, 2020.

  • PTBA identifies ambiguity in property value declaration

    PTBA identifies ambiguity in property value declaration

    Pakistan Tax Bar Association (PTBA) on Tuesday identified ambiguity in declaring of immovable property in income tax return filing.

    PTBA President Rana Munir Hussain in a letter to the chairman of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) stated that the apex tax bar had received several representations from the members of different affiliated tax bars across the country; one of the reasons of delay in filing of Income Tax Return for the Tax Year 2022 in is an ambiguity in declaration of value of the properties purchased and sold during the year.

    READ MORE: FBR allows refund adjustment to facilitate return filing

    The said burning issues need the consideration of the FBR in the light of prevailing circumstances.

    In this respect tax bar summarized the following questions: –

    Question No. 1

    A tax payer sold his immovable property in consideration of Rs.6,000,000/- through a written agreement to sell during the tax year 2022 and received the said amount in shape of pay order as provided u/s 75A of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001.

    READ MORE: FPCCI seeks statutory time for return filing after error removals

    Whereas at the time of execution of sale deed the parties were compelled to mention the sale price at Rs.7,500,000/- as per rate notified by the D.C being minimum price.

    The PTBA urged the FBR to clarify that can the tax payer (seller) incorporate the sale proceed at Rs.7,500,000/- as appearing on the registered sale deed in his wealth reconciliation statement or he will have to record the actual consideration of Rs.6,000,000/- received from the buyer?

    Question No. 2

    A tax payer sold his immovable property through agreement to sell in consideration of Rs.40,000,000/- and received the said amount in shape of pay order as provided u/s 75A of the Ordinance.

    READ MORE: FBR advised to extend tax return filing date for three months

    Sale deed was executed at Rs.45,000,000/- being the minimum price notified by D.C.

    On the other hand, the seller as well as the buyer paid the tax u/s 236C and 235K at the value fixed by FBR i.e. Rs.6,500,000/-.

    Clarification is sought.

    Whether the seller can record in his wealth statement the amount at Rs.65,000,000/- whereas in actual, he received Rs.40,000,000/-.

    What price of the asset has to declared by the buyer in his wealth statement?

    READ MORE: PTBA suggests measures to resolve refund adjustment ahead return filing deadline

    The actual price paid at Rs.40,000,000/- ; OR

    The price fixed by D.C. at Rs.45,000,000/-; OR

    The price fixed by FBR at Rs.65,000,000/-.

    In the light of the submissions made above it is requested to issue a clarification as early as possible. Moreover, timely decision taking in this regard would not only be appreciated by the taxpayers/legal fraternity, who are working very hard day and night by playing their part towards the legal responsibility for contributing towards national exchequer but also in collection of taxes at the appropriate time.

  • FBR allows refund adjustment to facilitate return filing

    FBR allows refund adjustment to facilitate return filing

    ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Tuesday allowed refund adjustment to facilitate taxpayers in filing returns for tax year 2022.

    The FBR said it had received a number of representations from various Tax bars, businesses and other stakeholders on the issue of non-availability of refund adjustment tab in the return forms available in the Iris, an online portal of FBR for return filing.

    READ MORE: FPCCI seeks statutory time for return filing after error removals

    In order to ensure smooth filing of returns and to improve ease of doing business and decrease cost of compliance of taxpayers, the revenue board has enabled refund adjustment tab in the return forms.

    “This facility will enable taxpayers to adjust their pending refund claims against admitted liability of Tax Year 2022 at the time of filing of tax returns who had filed applications to claim their outstanding refunds of previous years,” the FBR said.

    READ MORE: FBR advised to extend tax return filing date for three months

    In this regard it is informed that refunds applications filed up to September 09, 2022 are eligible for adjustment of refunds.

    “This facility is available to all taxpayers who have not claimed excess adjustment against previous years’ refunds,” the FBR added.

    Previously, the Pakistan Tax Bar Association (PTBA) and affiliated tax bars in the country strongly criticized the FBR for denying the right of adjusting past years refunds against current liability.

    READ MORE: PTBA suggests measures to resolve refund adjustment ahead return filing deadline

    The PTBA on September 24, 2022 approached the FBR chairman to resolve the issue and the apex tax bar also suggested measures to facilitate taxpayers in this regard.

    It said that adjustment of earlier refunds due, in the cases against admitted tax liability for Tax Year 2022 is a statutory right of a taxpayer, which has always been acknowledged, even by the system of IRIS from years to years.

    Tax Year 2022 is the first Tax Year where for the key to claim adjustment of refund in the return form available on portal, has been blocked without assigning any plausible legal justification.

    The sole stance of the officials of FBR in this respect is that various tax payers claim refunds in their returns which is not admissible.

    READ MORE: Penalties for failure to file return tax year 2022 within due date

    “We wish to bring on record that PTBA would never support any such illegal action of any person and at the same time it is submitted that the responsibility to verify the authenticity of refund was on the field formations of the FBR who never took any pain to verify the claim of refunds at their own,” the apex tax bar said.

    On the other side facility to adjust refund against admitted tax liability for Tax Year 2022 has been taken away due to which the taxpayers have been forced to pay tax in cash, no matter how much refund is due to them.