Karachi, August 17, 2023 – Taxpayers in the Sindh province are encountering significant challenges in meeting compliance requirements for filing sales tax returns and making tax payments through the online portal of the Sindh Revenue Board (SRB).
The Karachi Tax Bar Association (KTBA) recently issued a letter addressed to the SRB Chairman, expressing concerns over the malfunctioning state of the SRB’s e-portal. According to the KTBA, the portal has been non-functional for an extended period, causing a multitude of issues for taxpayers attempting to fulfill their tax-related obligations.
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In their communication to the SRB Chairman, the KTBA emphasized the urgency of rectifying the portal’s technical issues. They cautioned that the current voluntary extension of the payment due dates for service taxes and the filing of July returns until August 24th would be rendered futile if the e-portal’s functionality is not promptly restored.
Among the disruptions caused by the malfunctioning SRB portal, several critical aspects of tax compliance have been adversely affected, including:
Non-Submission of SRB Returns: Taxpayers are unable to successfully submit their SRB returns due to the portal’s dysfunctional state.
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Cross Input Adjustment: The adjustment of input between Provincial and Federal Sales Tax, a vital process for accurate tax calculation, has been hampered.
Search Taxpayer: The portal’s search feature, intended to aid in locating taxpayer information, is inaccessible.
Timely Tax Payment: The portal’s malfunction is impeding timely and accurate payment of SRB taxes.
E-Registration: New taxpayers seeking to register electronically with the SRB are unable to do so due to the portal’s technical shortcomings.
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The KTBA highlighted that these challenges not only burden taxpayers but also raise concerns for the regulatory authority itself. They stressed that the SRB, as the regulatory body responsible for overseeing tax compliance, should take proactive measures to address and notify taxpayers of software-related issues that hinder the fundamental process of tax return filing.
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As the issue persists, taxpayers remain hopeful that the SRB will swiftly address the technical glitches and restore the functionality of the e-portal. The ability to comply with tax obligations is crucial for both taxpayers and the government alike, ensuring a smooth revenue collection process and fostering a cooperative environment between taxpayers and regulatory bodies.
