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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.

  • FTO proposes simplification of income tax return forms

    FTO proposes simplification of income tax return forms

    ISLAMABAD: Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has advised the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to simplify income tax return forms in consultation with stakeholders to facilitate the taxpayers.

    In its proposals for the budget 2021/2022, the FTO recommended simplification of returns forms in consultations with small taxpayers along with availability of option of filing the returns in Urdu.

    Similarly, an option to file the returns manually with facility provided by the FBR to upload on line data was also proposed.

    The FBR in response to the FTO stated that simplified Income Tax Returns for salaried, small traders having turnover up to Rs10 million, manufacturing Small & Medium Enterprises (SME’s) having turnover up to Rs50 million have been issued.

    It was recommended that FBR should devise some system so that sunset date of filing return is not extended but late filing may be allowed with certain incremental penalty for delay in filing per month or any part of it.

    The FBR responded that in 2020, last date of December 08 was not extended. According to FBR, Income Tax Return making rules have been issued. Though these are applicable for Tax Year 2022 but FBR is following this for Tax Year 2021 and return forms would be available by 1st July (to be submitted within due date without extension on last date).

    The FTO proposed that FBR may approach the concerned Authorities/Establishment Division, to issue instructions to bind the heads of government departments, autonomous bodies and large scale public sector organizations to get the certificate of filing of returns by their employees falling in the tax net at the end of the last date and to link their promotion/annual increments with mandatory return filing.

    Regarding audit, it was proposed to rationalize its parameters so that more focus should be laid on large entities rather than small taxpayers.

    Moreover audits should also include investigative work to detect the evasion through a study of input/output standards of utility bills and production capacity of machinery etc. Several cases for audit should in line with capacity of FBR to complete the audit in a year.

  • PM praises FBR for achieving 41pc growth in March collection

    PM praises FBR for achieving 41pc growth in March collection

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday praised the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for posting an unprecedented growth of 41 percent in revenue collection for the month of March 2021.

    “I commend FBR efforts, achieving historic growth of 41 percent in March 2021 with collections recorded at Rs460 billion,” the prime minister said in a tweet message.

    The FBR collected around Rs322 billion in the same month of the last year.

    The FBR also posted 10 percent revenue collection growth to Rs3,380 billion during first nine months (July – March) of the current fiscal year.

    The FBR collected Rs3,060 billion in the corresponding months of the last fiscal year.

    “This reflects broad-based econ revival led by government policies,” the prime minister added.

  • FBR urged to remove CNIC condition on sales up to Rs100,000 by distributors

    FBR urged to remove CNIC condition on sales up to Rs100,000 by distributors

    KARACHI: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has been urged to withdraw condition of CNIC on supplies made by distributors to unregistered persons on sales up to Rs100,000.

    Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) in its proposals for budget 2021/2022 stated that under section 23(1)(b) of the Sales Tax Act, 1990 exclusion has been provided to retailers, whereby retailers supplying taxable goods to unregistered persons are not required to mention the CNIC unregistered customers, wherein the transaction value inclusive of sales tax does not exceed Rs.100,000.

    Due to the present provisions of the law, the distributors are facing a dilemma whereby small retailers are purchasing taxable goods valuing Rs.100,000 from mega stores (retailers) in order to avoid the requirement of providing the CNIC, resulting in loss of business for the Distributors who normally used to sell goods to such small retailers

    The KCCI proposed that FBR should extend similar exclusion of Rs.100,000 to distributors as well.

    Giving rationale, the KCCI said that it will help ease of doing business thereby resulting in enhancement of tax revenue.

  • FBR includes five export oriented associations for reduced power, gas tariff

    FBR includes five export oriented associations for reduced power, gas tariff

    ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has included five associations of export oriented sector (erstwhile zero-rated sector) in the concessionary tariff regime of electricity, RLNG and gas.

    The FBR issued Sales Tax Circular No. 01 of 2021 on Tuesday to include the members of five associations for providing concessionary tariff of electricity, RLNG and gas.

    The associations are included:

    (i) Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA)

    (ii) Pakistan Knitwear & Sweater Exporters Association (PAK-SEA)

    (iii) Towel Manufacturers’ Association of Pakistan (TMA)

    (iv) All Pakistan Bedsheets & Upholstery Manufacturers Association (APBUMA)

    (v) Pakistan Silk & Rayon Mills Association

    Previously, through Sales Tax Circular No. 04 dated December 30, 2020, the FBR notified following associations for referring their members for reduced tariff of electricity and gas:

    01. All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA)

    02. Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PRGMEA)

    03. Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers Association (PHMA)

    04. Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA)

    05. Pakistan Leather Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PLGMEA)

    06. Pakistan Sports Goods Manufacturers & Exporters Association

    07. Surgical Instruments Manufacturing Association of Pakistan

    08. Pakistan Denim Manufacturers and Exporters Association

    09. All Pakistan Textile Processing Mills Association (APTPMA)

    The FBR issued standard operating procedure (SOP) to start the registration process.

    In a notification, the FBR said that the economic coordination committee of the cabinet had approved the reduced rate to manufacturers on supply of electricity and gas in a meeting held on December 12, 2020. The ECC also directed the FBR, ministry of commerce and other stakeholders to devise a standard operating procedure (SOP) for enrollment of registered persons under the export-oriented sectors (erstwhile zero-rated sectors) to quality concessionary regime of electricity, RLNG and gas tariff.

    Accordingly, a meeting was held in FBR on December 22, 2020 and as a result of thorough deliberations amongst all stakeholders the requisite SOP has been agreed upon and being rolled onto.

    The FBR said the following SOP adopted for enrollment of manufacturers for grant of reduced tariff rate:

    (i) For new registration of manufacturers for concessionary tariff rates, applicants may apply respective representative association.

    (ii) The Association concerned, after verifying the particulars on the prescribed format, may forward the application along with its element recommendations, duly signed by its chairman/president, to the export oriented sector registration cell (ESRC) of the FBR.

    (iii) The ESRC shall examine the particulars and recommendations of the respective associations and counter-verify particulars of the taxpayer including declarations in the registration profile etc. as required, and forward the case to the ministry of commerce for allowing concessionary tariff through respective Distribution Companies (DISCOs)/Gas companies.

    (iv) In case the ESRC spots any discrepancies in the verification report and data available with the FBR, the matter will be referred to Inland Revenue field formations for ground-check, report and recommendations.

    (v) The newly enrolled taxpayers shall be entitled to avail concessionary tariff prospectively.

    (vi) The DISCOs/gas companies shall ensure that the taxpayers are active on FBR’s (Sales Tax) Active Taxpayers List (ATL) as shared with DISCOs/gas companies each month before generating the monthly utility bills. In case the taxpayer is found non-active on the ATL, standard utility tariff shall apply on supply of utilities for the relevant period.

    (vii) Any taxpayer aspiring to avail concessionary utility rates and who is not registered with the respective sector association, may approach the Inland Revenue field formation concerned for verification of its business particulars and onward submission of report on the prescribed format to the RSRC within 15 days of the submission of the application.

    The procedure for the registration of new entrants in export oriented sectors shall become applicable with effect from January 01, 2021.

  • FBR offices to observe extended working hours for revenue collection

    FBR offices to observe extended working hours for revenue collection

    ISLAMABAD: In an effort to maximize revenue collection before the close of the fiscal quarter, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has directed all Inland Revenue offices to observe extended working hours on Wednesday, March 31, 2021.

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  • FMCGs should be excluded from tax collecting agent

    FMCGs should be excluded from tax collecting agent

    KARACHI: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has been urged to amend laws to exclude manufacturers of fast moving consumer goods (FMCGs) from application of withholding tax under Section 236G and 236H on Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.

    Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) in its proposals for budget 2021/2022, stated that manufacturers of electronics, sugar, cement, iron and steel products, fertilizer, motorcycles, pesticides, cigarettes, glass, textile, beverages, paint or foam etc., collect advance tax at 0.1 percent for persons appearing on Active Taxpayers List (ATL) and 0.2 percent for non-ATL and 0.5 percent for ATL and 1 percent for non-ATL of gross of amount of sale to distributors, dealers, wholesalers and retailers.

    Most of the goods mentioned above are not fast moving consumer goods. The only FMCG is beverages on which the section 236 G & H are unjustly applied.

    This tantamount to discrimination for beverage manufacturers being the only manufacturer of FMCGs manufacturer class liable to above tax.

    It is not practically possible for manufacturer of FMCGs to collect income tax from dealers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers and it adds to the cost of consumer products.

    The KCCI proposed that the section may be appropriately amended to exclude the manufacturers of FMCGs from being collecting agents under section –236 G & H of the Ordinance.

    The chamber said that it would relieve the unjust burden of tax on consumer goods and enable manufacturers of FMCGs to pass the benefit to end-consumers.

  • FBR suggested to abolish multiple audit provisions

    FBR suggested to abolish multiple audit provisions

    KARACHI: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has been suggested to abolish multiple provisions of audit under Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 and simplify procedure for ease of doing business.

    Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) in its proposals for budget 2021/2022 said that presently audit proceedings can be started u/s 177 as well as through balloting u/s 214C and like-wise enquiries can also be made by the Commissioner u/s 122(5A). There is a concept of a special audit panel u/s 177(11) as well.

    Sub-Section 7 is ambiguous and provides the Commissioner and his sub ordinates with a tool to harass, extort and victimize any taxpayer at will.

    The Commissioner can re-open the Audit of any person or firm at will on unsubstantiated grounds. SEC.177 SUB-SECTION 4: Any person employed by a firm to conduct audit function may be authorized by the Commissioner to exercise powers under sections 175 and section 176.

    The KCCI said that revenue collection through such recovery proceedings is hardly Rs.92.0 Billion whereas the costs due to litigation, involvement of entire tax collection machinery and declining number of tax filers, is far more than the collection.

    Multiple audits under various provisions have eroded the trust of tax-payers in the FBR. RTOs and LTUs. Audit functions under various Provisions have created confusion and complexity in Tax regime.

    Such provisions are also prone to misuse and a source of harassment.

    The chamber proposed that all audit functions should be brought under one provision of Income Tax Ordinance rather than various over-lapping provisions with clear and well defined parameters. Audit Parameters should be transparent and open to taxpayers.

    Further, Sub-Section 7 may be deleted.

    Powers of the Commissioner and sub-ordinate officials should be curtailed to restore the trust of Tax Payers and encourage broadening of tax-base.

    Such Audits should be restricted to specific queries or objections and call for relevant document only rather than opening and re-opening a comprehensive audit every time.

    Giving rationale the KCCI said that bring transparency and clarity to audit functions and rules governing the same.

    Prevent harassment to tax payers and abuse of powers by Inland Revenue officials. This will also help in broaden tax base by restoring confidence in the system.

  • FBR urged to lower duty, tax on import of motorcycle spare parts

    FBR urged to lower duty, tax on import of motorcycle spare parts

    KARACHI: Khalid Waheed chairman All Pakistan Importers & Dealers Association appeal to the FBR to lower the custom duties and withdraw the addition custom duty on the commercial import of motorcycle’s spare parts.

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  • FBR issues procedure for availing exemption certificate by erstwhile FATA/PATA residents

    FBR issues procedure for availing exemption certificate by erstwhile FATA/PATA residents

    ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) issued a procedure for issuing tax exemption certificate for residents of erstwhile FATA/PATA.

    The FBR issued circular No. 13 of 2021 stating that a standardized procedure for the issuance of Exemption Certificate on quarterly basis is being rolled out so as to ensure fair operationalization of the exemptions enshrined in the law. Accordingly, a FATA/PATA-domiciled person appearing on the “active taxpayers’ list” instituted by FBR in terms of section 181A of the I.T.0, 2001, and intending to import “plant, machinery, equipment” or “industrial inputs” for installation or consumption at his own manufacturing site would lodge a written application to the Commissioner Inland Revenue (CIR) concerned providing therein: –

    (i) Production capacity of the manufacturing unit, and if the same has increased over time, the month from which the enhanced production capacity was installed along with particulars of the additional manufacturing capacity;

    (ii) Month-wise quantity of (a) raw material imported, and (b) purchased locally since July, 2020 (or 1 st month of the tax year);

    (iii) Quantity of stock available from earlier imports;

    (iv) Month-wise details of Gas and Electricity consumed since July, 2020 (or lm month of the tax year);

    (v) Month-wise particulars of goods produced;

    (vi) Month-wise details of post-dated cheques (PDCs) deposited earlier with Customs authorities, if any;

    (vii) List of buyers of the goods produced;

    (viii) Bank statement for the past quarter;

    (ix) Electricity/Gas bills for the past quarter; and

    (x) Month-wise proof of Federal Excise paid — only in case of goods covered under the Federal Excise Act, 2005.

    The commissioner Inland Revenue would ensure that particulars supplied by the taxpayer are verified before the issuance of Exemption Certificate. In case any data are not verified, the taxpayer would be given an opportunity to complete the application, provide the required information, and make up the deficiency. The Exemption Certificate issued will be directly mailed to the Collector Customs concerned with a copy thereof being duly marked to Member (IR Operations) and Member (Customs Operations), and under no circumstances will be handed over to the taxpayer. If the CIR decides to reject the application for a Exemption Certificate, the previous PDCs deposited would be encashed.

    The FBR issued the procedure In pursuance to the amalgamation of FATA/PATA regions via 25th Amendment to the Constitution, in order to boost economic development therein, the Government of Pakistan, vide Clause (146) of Part I of 2nd Schedule to the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 (hereinafter “the I.T.0, 2001”), exempted income “of any individual domiciled or company and association of persons resident in the Tribal Areas forming part of the Provinces of Khyber PalchtunIchwa and Balochistan…with effect from the Is’ day of June, 2018 to the 30th day of June, 2023.”

    The “provisions of sections in Division III of Part V of Chapter X and Chapter XII” of the I.T.0, 2001, pertaining to withholding taxes have also been rendered inapplicable to FATA/PATA-domiciled tax persons vide Clause (110) of Part IV of 2nd Schedule to the 1.T.0, 2001.

    Although, FBR’s stated position continues to be that section 148 by dint of its being in Division II (instead of Division III) of Part V of Chapter X of the I.T.0, 2001, it has consciously been excluded from the nexus of Clause (110) by the Legislature as also emphatically articulated by FBR vide letter No.DOC.No.1(1)-M(IR-Ops)/2020/165904-R dated 21-09-2020, yet in view of Hon’ble Peshawar High Court’s judgement in W.P.No.442-M of 2020 to the contrary, and till its reversal by the Supreme Court of Pakistan in a CPLA filed by FBR, FATA/PATA-domiciled tax persons could avail exemption u/s 148 of the I.T.0, 2001.

    There, however, does exist significant confusion as to the mechanism of operationalization of the exemptions enshrined in the law. In particular, a controversy has recently raged vis-a-vis application of withholding tax at the import stage as to whether it would be available to a FATA/PATA-domiciled persons per se or it would trigger on issuance (and production) of exemption certificate as stipulated in section 148/159 of the I.T.0, 2001.

    The Hon’ble Peshawar High Court in W.P.No.442-M of 2020 titled as Hadi Khan Silk Mills Vs. Federation of Pakistan has also categorically held that FATA/PATA-domiciled tax persons “shall be exempt from levy and imposition of advance tax payable under section 148.. .at import stage, till the period mentioned in Clause 146” of Part 1 of 2nd Schedule to the I.T.0, 2001.

    More importantly, the Hon’ble High Court, in the same judgement, has gone on to address the critical question as to how this particular exemption would operationalize by mandating “that for seeking exemption from payment of advance income tax under section 148 of the Ordinance at import stage, the petitioners shall have to seek exemption from the levy thereof, under section 159 of the Ordinance.” The Hon’ble High Court has re-affirmed this mechanism in W.P.No.1219-M of 2020 titled Sohrab Sons & Co. Vs. Government of Pakistan & Others and W.P.No.2009- P of 2020 titled Ws Dawood Steel Vs. Federation of Pakistan & Others.

  • Tax recovery through bank accounts should only from unregistered persons

    Tax recovery through bank accounts should only from unregistered persons

    KARACHI: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has been urged to restrict its powers of tax recovery from bank accounts on unregistered persons.

    In its proposals for budget 2021/2022, Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) pointed out Section 140 of Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 that is related to recovery of tax from persons holding money on behalf of a taxpayer.

    According to the law for the purpose of recovering any tax due by a taxpayer, the Commissioner may, by notice, in writing, require any person –

    (a) owing or who may owe money to the taxpayer; or

    (b) holding or who may hold money for, or on account of the taxpayer;

    The chamber said that this provision and further access to information on bank accounts under other provisions of law, have been counter-productive and led to a flourishing cash economy. Many innovative ways have been evolved by businesses similar to block-chain and a local hundi system. Such provisions only affect the documented businesses while the entire undocumented sector is immune from such laws.

    The KCCI said that access to bank accounts may only be limited to accounts of unregistered persons with unusually high amounts of transactions.

    Commissioner should only be authorized to obtain information about the funds in accounts and to seek clarification as to the nature of transactions and sources of funds. Such persons may be brought into the tax-net.

    The chamber said that it will:

    1. Relief to the registered persons and restore confidence in banking system. Encourage official transactions.

    2. Bring unregistered persons into the tax-regime.

    3. Stimulate economic activities and growth. Increase bank deposits which may be used for lending to industry.