KARACHI: Chief Commissioner, Regional Tax Office Tariq Mustafa Khan said that lack of understanding about POS system exists hence efforts were underway to deal with this issue being faced by the businessmen and traders of Karachi.
Speaking at a meeting during his visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) Chief Commissioner RTO said that after integration with POS, traders and shopkeepers will be able to obtain refunds automatically and they will not be subjected to audits. “POS, which was currently for business falling under Tier-I, will gradually be installed all over the country with a view to save the economy from tax evasion”, he added.
President KCCI Muhammad Idrees, Senior Vice President Abdul Rehman Naqi, Vice President Qazi Zahid Hussain, Chairman of Special Committee for Small Traders Majeed Memon, Chairman GST/ SRB Subcommittee Shoaib Ahmed Faridi, Chairman Federal Taxation Subcommittee Hilal Ahmed Sheikh, KCCI Managing Committee Members and others were also present at the meeting.
Chief Commissioner RTO explained that any shopkeeper who comes under the purview of seven conditions defined for Tier-I will have to fulfil the POS condition. “Shopkeepers must come out of fear as they will be fully protected in case of any illegal action. Our doors are always open and you can visit my office anytime for assistance without seeking appointment”, he assured and advised shopkeepers to submit written complaints in case they were being victimized, ill-treated or blackmailed by any officer of his department. Action will be taken by initiating investigation within 24 hours with a view to create a taxpayers’ friendly environment.
“Whoever has received notices pertaining to POS, his business must be falling in any of the seven categories defined in Tier-I. We don’t want to close down your business. This system is purely for the benefit of businesspeople hence, maximum number of people must become part it”, he said.
Appreciating President KCCI’s suggestion, he agreed that his department’s team will hold awareness sessions not only at KCCI but also at respective markets. “It is not only the responsibility of Muhammad Idrees to support and facilitate shopkeepers but ours as well”, he added.
Tariq Mustafa Khan, while congratulating KCCI Office Bearers on assuming charge of Chamber’s affairs appreciated all the efforts being made to highlight the problems pertaining to POS and other taxation issues.