FBR IT member says she is waiting for someone to point out faults in tax calculation, but so far no such complaint has been received
ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Information Technology (IT) Member Raana Ahmed said on Tuesday that as many as 117,000 taxpayers have submitted their income tax returns through e-filing, which is 52 percent more than the last year.
During an exclusive interview with Customs Today, she said that everyday 1,800 to 1,900 people get themselves registered which proves that new software IRIS is user friendly.
She said: “Only tax evaders hate IRIS. Corrupt people fear that they will no more be able to show losses in returns. I am fighting a mafia. IRIS has nine modules and all modules will be launched until December 31 . There is no virus in the programme. The system is a big milestone for filers. Yes, virus resides in the minds of these people. They have united to prove IRIS as a failed system. Only envious people are spreading rumours against the system. There is no fault in the system. It contains all calculations. I am waiting for someone to point out faults in the tax calculation, but so far no such complaint has been received. The FBR should be given credit for the programme.”
The FBR IT member said the tax ratio on prize bonds was not IRIS issue, but it was a legal matter. “If someone drew a prize bond before the current fiscal year and cashed it in July then he has to pay 15 percent tax deduction, because tax ratio on prize bonds was increased from 10 to 15 percent after July.”
She said: “People need to understand the programme. I have told the board members and officials that we will do everything to educate people about the software. Institutions are more important than individuals. I have played my role by giving this system to the people and the country. I have burnt the midnight oil. It is not my loss if IRIS does not work, but it will certainly be a big setback for the FBR.”
She said they had given 10 years to make IRIS a success.
She added: “Earlier, only lawyers had the password. Now it has been taken from lawyers and given to taxpayers. People take time to understand and adopt new things. The FBR is progressing and it is likely that we will replace IRIS with another system after a few years.”
