LAHORE: Deputy Commissioner Withholding Zone RTO-II Abdul Rauf Mayo has said that it is high time for tax authorities to register new taxpayers by opening offices at tehsil and municipal levels by seeking help from the database of NADRA and Excise and Taxation Department.
During an exclusive interview with Customs Today, Abdul Rauf said that the tax collection throughout the country is improving because of untiring efforts of the IRS officers. He emphasized for strengthening the tax authorities by legislative amendments and recruiting new staff members i.e inspectors (IIR), clerical staff (steno typists, UDC, LDC) and armed guards.
He appreciated the efforts of RTO II under the supervision of Khawaja Adnan Zaheer for extending the presence of FBR in districts of Okara, Kasur and Sheikhupura which will yield results in terms of revenue in the longer run. He said “we shall have to focus on each and every district and towns for ensuring uninterrupted growth of income tax and sales tax and FBR is on it. He said “FBR is the earning hand of the state and it must be strengthened by giving it more powers and facilities.” Abdul Rouf Mayo said although he supports tax friendly culture but he also believes that tax evasion is a crime and it should be dealt accordingly.
Abdul Rouf Mayo is currently monitoring withholding taxes of FTN holders, hospitals, poultry farms, schools and colleges and the business enterprises operating under the jurisdiction of DHA and Wagha Town. He became prominent after field audit of different TMAs for withholding u/s 236 C and 236 K of Income Tax Ordinance 2001 and an arrears recovery of Rs 1 billion and Rs100 million from Directorate General Health Punjab and MNCH Programme for which he is called “One Billion Man”.
Rouf told that the officers of Inland Revenue across the country are trying their level best to deliver in the given circumstances and conditions. Dynamic leadership of Dr. Irshad has given them a fresh impetus to work and officers are working as a team. “Officers always perform better when they are properly motivated and encouraged”. He also expressed optimistic hopes that FBR will achieve its budgetary targets in December and will also be covering the shortfall of preceding months.
Answering a question regarding his jurisdiction he said that it is incumbent upon the institutions, government, semi government and the private ones to properly deduct and deposit the withholding tax as these bodies are working on the behalf of the state to collect taxes by applying the correct rates and keeping in view the filing status of the withhold wherever applicable.
FBR is now highly vigilant regarding the non/short deduction of these taxes. The gravity of the situation can be well ascertained from the fact that withholding agent is himself made responsible for non/short deduction of taxes u/s 161/205 of the Income tax Ordinance 2001. He said different conferences are held to properly educate the taxpayers regarding the method and depositing these taxes which have been of substantial help.
On answering a question regarding the improving performance of FBR officials and officers he said that seniors must believe in their junior officers as they have immense potential. He further added that juniors should not hesitate or feel reluctant to get help from their seniors and staff members.
Answering the question about the risks and challenges an officer of Inland Revenue faces in the field, he said that there are not serious risk or threats involved, however there is a great need of equipping the officers with necessary force for facing any unwanted incident like physical resistance and non-comply of notices for providing information. He said that he is lucky to be a part of a highly efficient, friendly and hardworking team consisting Additional Commissioners Muhammad Ali, Atif Bashir, Commissioner Shahid Saddique and Chief Commissioner Khawaja Adnan Zaheer.
