ISLAMABAD: The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has advised taxpayers to file complaints if their legitimate tax refund claims remain pending without lawful justification, reaffirming its role in addressing maladministration by tax authorities.
In a public awareness message, the FTO stated that taxpayers whose refund claims have been verified and approved under the law, but are still being delayed without valid reasons, have the right to seek relief by filing a complaint with the Ombudsman.
The FTO clarified that under Article 24(1) of the Constitution of Pakistan, no individual can be deprived of property except in accordance with the law. Therefore, if a legally admissible tax refund is withheld without justification, the affected taxpayer may approach the Federal Tax Ombudsman for redress.
The Ombudsman encouraged taxpayers to submit complete supporting documents and evidence along with their complaints to facilitate timely examination of their cases.
Taxpayers can contact the FTO through its official website, email, WhatsApp, or by visiting its office to lodge complaints regarding delayed tax refunds and other cases of maladministration by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
The awareness campaign is part of the FTO’s efforts to improve taxpayer facilitation, ensure accountability in tax administration, and safeguard taxpayers’ legal rights.
