Payments Under Refund Claims To Begin In Next Few Days

MULTAN, Nov 4 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 04th Nov, 2016 ) : Chief Commissioner Inland Revenue, Regional Tax Office (RTO) Multan Dr. Zulqarnain Tirmizi said that first phase of sales tax refund had been completed while payments under the second phase would begin within next few days.

Dr. Tirmizi said this while addressing a gathering of industrialists at Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) here last Thursday night. "We all want to expand our tax net, however, only those people are considered active tax payers who pay taxes every year and submit tax returns," said the chief commissioner inland revenue.

He said that sales tax registration process was somewhat difficult and long but added that it was necessary to check fake invoices and scrutiny of sales tax agent. However, he added that temporary registration law exists for import of machinery.

He said that there would be no delay in issuance of exemption certificate from now on but added that duration for issuance of certificates is decided by automatic system and not the officials. He urged RTO Multan to visit all industries, big and small, without any discrimination and added that officials should also carry authority letter with them during the visit.

He said that FBR can not attach the bank account of a tax payer provided he/she has paid 25 per cent of the tax assessed by the department. Tirmizi said that any tax payer can submit returns after showing his computerized national identity card (CNIC) adding that CNICs are now the income tax number of the tax payers.

Earlier, MCCI president Khawaja Jalaluddin Rumi said that only one million people submit tax returns out of the 200 million population. Rumi suggested that government should expand tax base by adding new tax payers instead of putting additional burden on the existing tax payers.

He said that delay in tax refund payments caused troubles for industry and businesses in keeping their business circle in motion and suggested that those whose tax returns were facing delay should be provided loans through banks so that they continue to get working capital to run businesses.

He demanded that process of sales tax registration and amendments in sales tax details be simplified. He said that tax be not recovered until issuance of exemption certificates. Rumi also suggested formation of alternate dispute committees.

He said that tax be not deducted in case of pendency of their appeals. He said that seminars should be held frequently in Southern Punjab for awareness among people on tax laws. Former senior vice president Khawaja Usman suggested that RTO Multan be upgraded for issuance of NTN numbers locally.

Former MCCI president Khawaja Muhammad Younis also spoke on the occasion and stressed that tax officials should treat the business community with honour to expand the tax net. Office bearers from All Pakistan Bed Sheets and Upholestry Manufacturers Association (APBUMA), Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association, other trade bodies and industrialists were present.