ISLAMABAD: The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has set a new record in the country’s history by disposing of tax petitions in average of 52 days. FTO Abdur Rauf Chaudhary told Customs Today here on Wednesday that a total of 1931 complaints were filed with FTO regional offices across the country during last year of which 1548 were disposed of while the remaining are in final stage of disposal.
He said FTO is an inexpensive forum in the country where the services of counsel or court fee is not required. He said the petition can be filed on a plain paper through post, fax, email and prompt action is initiated from the day of its submission. In response to a question, he said that highly qualified retired civil servants having vast experience in taxation regime have been appointed on merit at all regional offices. He said that he himself conducts nationwide tour to monitor the overall monthly performance of the regional offices.
To a question regarding filing of appeal or representation against the decision of FTO, he said that only representation can be filed before President of Pakistan that is the final remedy. He said that FTO decision cannot be challenged in any court of law except filing an appeal before the President.
Ch Abdur Rauf said in order to maintain the honor and dignity of FTO forum the power of contempt of court is also vested in him at par with the Supreme Court of Pakistan. He said that more new regional offices of Federal Tax Ombudsman will be established at Abbotabad, Multan and Sialkot to expedite disposal of pending cases of tax payers.
The FTO said the decision to set up new regional offices has been taken to facilitate tax payers for quick disposal of cases at their door-step. He said the existing network of regional offices at Peshawar, Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sukkur, Karachi and Quetta are successfully disposing of pending cases in record time.
He said according to law, every case filed with FTO is to be decided within 60 days but we have set a new record.
