MULTAN: In response to recent tax regulations, the Multan Tax Bar Association has put forth a set of groundbreaking recommendations to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) aimed at addressing tax fraud while alleviating burdens on law-abiding taxpayers.
In a formal communique to the FBR Chairman, Mian Abdul Sattar, President of the Multan Tax Bar Association, expressed concerns regarding the implementation of S.R.O. 350(I)/2024, issued on 07 March 2024.
Acknowledging the FBR’s efforts to combat tax evasion, the Association underscored the inadvertent challenges faced by compliant taxpayers.
The crux of the Association’s proposals lies in harnessing cutting-edge information technology to achieve the objectives outlined in SRO 350/2024 without imposing undue hardships. Key recommendations include:
1. Implementation of Static IP Address Requirement*: Advocating for the use of static IP addresses to access the sales tax registration portal, the Association posits that this measure would significantly reduce unauthorized access and curb misuse through anonymous connections.
2. Licensing of Sales Tax Consultants*: To enhance accountability and security, the Association proposes the issuance of licenses to qualified sales tax consultants, granting them the authority to file returns on behalf of clients using declared static IP addresses.
3. Restriction of Access Via VPN and Non-Pakistani IP Addresses*: To deter fraudulent activities, access to the portal would be restricted for connection attempts made through Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) or from IP addresses outside Pakistan’s jurisdiction.
The Association contends that these measures would fortify the integrity of the tax system while fostering an environment conducive to honest taxpayer participation.
Mian Abdul Sattar and Muhammad Imran Ghazi, President and General Secretary respectively, expressed confidence that the adoption of these proposals would empower the FBR to effectively combat illicit activities while safeguarding the interests of genuine taxpayers.
The Multan Tax Bar Association stands poised to engage in further dialogue to refine these proposals and contribute to the advancement of Pakistan’s fiscal landscape.
This proactive stance underscores the Multan Tax Bar Association’s commitment to combat tax fraud and bolster the nation’s fiscal resilience, epitomizing a collaborative endeavor to fortify Pakistan’s economic framework.
