LAHORE: The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has adjourned the hearing of a case filed by proprietor of Naeem Zafar Industries Lahore against the Corporate Regional Tax Office (CRTO), Zone VI Lahore until April 17.
Member FTO Mian Munawar Ghafoor heard the case in which counsel for appellant argued that the Corporate Regional Tax Office (CRTO), Zone-VI had failed to release the tax refunds of more than 1.4 million since three years claimed by the company.
He said the RTO collected excessive tax from Zafar Mehmood, proprietor of Naeem Zafar Industries Lahore during the last three years. He approached the commissioner concerned many times for issuance of refund but the CRTO officials did not pay refund after the passage of a reasonable time.
At the end, the company decided to approach the FTO seeking interference in this case. The counsel appealed the FTO advisor to direct the CRTO to clear the refund claims.
The counsel further said the CRTO should refund the excess collection in the wake of taxes by the end of financial year but the situation is quite otherwise. Delay in issuance of refund put the burden on the taxpayers, he said, adding the CRTO Lahore should audit the cases and release the extra amount collected by it from the taxpayer.
On the other hand, counsel for CRTO argued that proprietor of Naeem Zafar Industries Lahore has not submitted all record in the office on the basis of which it is claimed refund. If appellant provides accurate record, the CRTO will issue the refund if any after a proper assessment.
After hearing the arguments from both sides, advisor Mian Munawar Ghafoor adjourned the hearing until next date for further hearing and directed the parties to appear on the said date to present arguments in the case.
