ISLAMABAD: Chief Commissioner-Inland Revenue Dr Basheerullah Khan said that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) acknowledges the important contribution of honest taxpayers to the national cause and they would not be harassed while tax evaders would not be spared.
He, talking to a delegation of Rawalpindi-Islamabad Tax Bar Association (RITBA), said that to increase the tax base and revenue collections through various measures, there is a need to bridge the trust gap between tax administration and the taxpayer.
Dr Basheerullah Khan assured all-out cooperation to the taxpayers and asked for proposals to improve working and mitigate problems being faced by taxpayers and tax consultants.
Improved monitoring, using technology and closer collaboration between tax authorities around-the-clock is helping FBR tighten the noose on tax evaders, he said, adding that non-filers and tax cheats would be dealt according to the law and no relaxation will be given to them.
He said that November 30th is the last date for filing returns and those who missed the opportunity would remain non-filers until next year.
On the occasion, RITBA President Syed Tauqeer Bukhari said that more countries are introducing voluntary disclosure programs which are going down well as hiding money is getting riskier.
So far the voluntary disclosure programs have brought in around $90 billion globally which is set to increase, he informed.
The RITBA president demanded the government to draw up a new plan to reward honest taxpayers to motivate others and improve compliance and procedure for tax assessment.
Syed Tanseer Bukhari recommended facilitation desks at mega shopping malls, DHA and Bahria Town to create awareness as advertisements in the last few days remain unfavorable.
RITBA General Secretary Zahid Shafique said that FBR should arrange vans to announce tax facilitation measures at busy commercial areas.
Tax consultants demanded that existing taxpayers should not be squeezed but the tax base should be broadened for which free counters should be established at various points.
