ISLAMABAD: Five cellular companies operating in the country, including Zong, Ufone, Mobilink, Telenor and Warid Telecom, have paid total income tax of over Rs 42.549 billion during the last five fiscal years (2012-13 to 2016-17), official data reveals.
The companies paid income tax of Rs 6,419.3 million in 2012-13, Rs 10,358.3 million in 2013-14, Rs 8,286.9 million in 2014-15, Rs 8,149.5 in 2015-16 and Rs 9,335.3 in 2016-17.
According to the data, the highest amount of tax was collected by the government during the year 2013-14, followed by 2016-17, 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2012-13.
Regarding the audit of the cellular companies, officials sources said their audit was conducted under three tax statues i.e. Income Tax Ordinance, 2010, Sales Tax Act, 1990 and Federal Excise Act, 2005.
The audit commences after the case is selected for audit under Section 177/214C of the Income Tax ordinance, 2001, Section 72B/25 of the Sales Tax, Act, 1990 and Section 46/42B of FED Act, 2005. Selection is done by both the Income Tax Commissioner concerned and Federal Board of Revenue as per Audit Manual that prescribes a pre-audit conference with the taxpayer in which scope of audit and time line to complete the audit is decided. Consequently “Information Document Request” (IDRs) is issued for seeking relevant records and information.
After obtaining books of accounts and documents provided by the taxpayer an audit report is prepared and if required a post audit conference is again conducted with the taxpayer to apprise the legal and factual discrepancies.
Thereafter, legal notice to amend the assessment order / return of the taxpayer is issued to provide lawful opportunity of being heard.
After affording such opportunity amended order is passed containing discussion and findings of the tax audit officer, which is served upon taxpayer along with tax demand notice.
