LAHORE: The Government of Pakistan needs to put more focus on promoting tax culture and its benefits for public and country as well through media campaigns and seminars. Maximum awareness among the citizens of Pakistan may step forward for the huge tax collection and strength national economy.
This was stated by Talat Mehmood Bosaal, Assistant Commissioner Inland Revenue, Corporate Regional Tax Office (CRTO) Lahore, during an exclusive interview given to Customs Today.
Talking about the jurisdiction, Talat said he collects both direct and indirect taxes like Income Tax, Sales Tax and Federal Excise Duty (FED) under the laws of Income Tax Ordinance-2001, Sales Tax Act 1990 and Federal Excise Duty Act-2005.
He said the zone where he performs collected Rs225million for February assigned by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). Assistant Commissioner said the compliance rate of taxpayers in corporate cases always remains very high because taxpayers have knowledge and awareness of the importance of taxes.
Answering a question, Talat said the Inland Revenue Service (IRS) is very important for collection of revenues for national exchequer which also plays a vital role in preparation of budget for the country. “if government provides all available resources required for the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) then department can collect huge taxes and the budget of Pakistan will be in surplus every year”, Bosaal said.
Talking about the problems, Talat said there is no culture of taxpaying in Pakistan as people are not much inclined towards taxation matters due to lack of awareness and motivation by the government of Pakistan due to which country loses trillion of rupees. He said this time the awareness and motivation in the public about the taxation system is much needed. The government may use all effective tools which can motivate and encourage citizens for the payment of tax liability for the prosperity of the country.
He suggested that all the higher authorities may formulate a strategy for the use of electronic, print and social media and all other available resources to tell the citizens about the importance of taxes and their contribution to the national exchequer.
Talat added that Pakistani People usually try to avoid becoming filer although at this point of time filer has great benefits over non-filers. In buying new properties, cars and other fixed assets are 50 percent less for a filer than a non-filer. At this time, the education of public regarding taxes is much needed.
