LAHORE: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Regional Tax Offices have computer laboratories to train and facilitate taxpayers regarding the e-filing and new software IRIS.
Talking to Customs Today, an official said the FBR has computer labs since the automation of the department and experts are available to resolve issues of taxpayers regarding the new software and e-filing.
He said the department hanged banners to inform the people to visit the office with their documents and learn to file their returns online and update software. He said most of the e-filing issues highlighted by businessmen could be overcome if taxpayers or tax managers get training. He added that the department was offering these facilities to taxpayers free, while the taxpayers have to pay fee to private consultants.
He also highlighted that private consultants urge taxpayers to evade taxes and write less income in return forms, but the FBR experts do not provide such assistance. This is the main reason to avoid the free technical assistance.
He revealed there are generally two kinds of taxpayers, salaried class and businessmen. He said that most of the salaried class have the facilities regarding e-filing, while the business community avoids getting these facilities as they had to show their documents to officials to complete the process, he added.
On the other hand, tax lawyers said the department should introduce a new format of tax return forms in early days of every fiscal year. They added that forms were introduced late which caused a delay in filing of tax returns. They also said that department should eliminate the flaws in forms and software.
Official sources also revealed that the last date for filing of tax returns would not be extended. Business community had demanded that the FBR extend the date until December 31.
