LAHORE: The Large Taxpayer Unit sets a record by achieving 34 percent growth in revenue collections during the financial year 2015-2016. This growth rate is recorded the first time in the history of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) by any collection unit.
This was stated by Chief Commissioner Large Taxpayer Unit (LTU) Lahore Chaudhry Safder Hussain while talking to Customs Today during an exclusive interview.
Talking about the jurisdiction of LTU, Chief Commissioner Chaudhry Safder Hussain said 320 companies and three to four contractors came in the jurisdiction of Large Taxpayers Unit. Small companies, salaried persons and individuals are also functioning under LTU.
Chief Commissioner told that LTU collected Rs244794 million during the financial year 2015-16 against the assigned target of Rs229314 million by the FBR. He said LTU has collected Rs15480 million more from the assigned target.
Answering a question Safder Hussain said that LTU has collected Rs85285 million under the head of income tax, Rs136660 million as sales tax and Rs22449 million as federal excise duty (FED) in the year. During previous year 2014-15 LTU collected Rs186202 million.
He said that nobody ready to pay their tax liability “as tax officials have to visit their business places and offices to monitor their trade activities and stocks in order to recover actual amount of taxes”
Chudhary Safder Hussain said that the basic reason for the tax evasion is trust deficit. Taxpayers are not sure about the positive use of their tax money. Government need to develop trust of taxpayers for positive use.
Furthermore, he said that merit is the basic key to success of Large Taxpayers Unit Lahore. All decisions are taken collectively and with the consultation of officers. He said that excellent team work is also strength of LTU.
Talking about the comparison of taxation system of Pakistan and Western countries Safder Hussain said in Western countries economy is formal, documentation system is well and based on information technology. Pakistan needs to boost up same tools to improve taxation system. Talking about Directorate of Training (DOT) Ch Safder said training institutions are well equipped and focused on the professional training of the officers to improve their tax issues.
Discussing about the national economy Safder Hussain said our economy is improving day by day due to strong economic policies of the present government and China Pakistan Economic Coordinator (CPEC) and some other projects will prove as game changer in the region.
He also mentioned FBR Chairman Nisar Muhammad Khan as professional government officer who vast experience in the tax department,” adding that the members of the FBR are also extending full support to LTU in all matters.
“Special Advisor to Prime Minster on Revenue Haroon Akhtar Khan is also a professional man who always encourages tax officers to perform their duties honestly,” he said. There is no political interference in the Federal Board of Revenue.
Talking about his professionalism Safder Hussain told that he is performing his duty devotedly in Inland Revenue. He said that he holds degree in law from the University of Punjab and joined the civil service after CSS examination.
Safder Husain said LTU Lahore is one of the major revenue contributor for FBR. He said that Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Revenue Haroon Akhter Khan and Chairman FBR Nisar Mohammad Khan has issued two appreciation letters to him during the month of March and April 2016 admiring his services.
