ISLAMABAD: The offices of Inland Revenue have been barred from taking harsh action against tax defaulters such as suspending registration and raiding business premises on suspicions of tax evasion.
The newly appointed chairman of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Shabbar Zaidi issued more directives on Tuesday to restrict the IR officers for using discretionary powers.
The federal government appointed the chairman from private sector for enhancing revenue collection through strengthening operation side. The policy side of taxation matters has already been with the ministry of finance.
The chairman soon after assuming the charge issued directives to the field offices of the FBR that no bank account would be attached of a taxpayer without informing 24 hours prior taking any action. Further obtaining permission from FBR chairman has been made mandatory for freezing any bank account.
The chairman on Tuesday issued more instructions to the field offices of Inland Revenue, which stated: “There will be no suspension from active taxpayers list unless there is personal interaction with CEO/owner of the business 24 hours before suspension, list of all cases of suspension after suspension will be sent to chairman FBR and Member IR operations with reasons of suspension and evidence of personal interaction as discussed above.”
The chairman further directed: “There will no be no raid or any premises of any existing taxpayer without prior approval of Member IR Operations and Chairman. If there are evidences of economic transactions which are chargeable to tax and the organization/entity is not a tax registered person then officer of that jurisdiction will report it to the Member IR Operations and Chairman FBR who will provide necessary direction for future course of action.”
