Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) Chairman Zainul Abidin Sahi on Thursday said that the National Tax Council is working on a plan for uniform sales tax among all provinces as this would help business community in many ways.
He said that the govt was well aware of the challenges being faced by businessmen therefore, it is taking all possible measures to ensure the ease of doing business. Zianul Abidin Sahi said the services being provided in LCCI under the ‘One window Smart Services’ are excellent and good example for other departments. He congratulated LCCI president Irfan Iqbal Sheikh for his fine year in LCCI as president.
He said that PRA’s focal person will be available at LCCI desk who will coordinate with business community for resolution of their issues related to PRA. He stressed upon the need of more coordination with business community especially with LCCI. He asked LCCI to nominate a 3 to 4 members coordination body who will remain in continuous liaison with PRA. This body will act as a bridge between LCCI and PRA and the communication gap will be reduced.
Earlier the PRA chairman inaugurated the PRA help desk at LCCI. LCCI President Irfan Iqbal Sheikh expressed gratitude to the PRA chairman over the Help Desk at the chamber. He said the PRA Help Desk is one of the most important features of LCCIs ‘One Window Smart Services’.
Irfan Iqbal Sheikh also appreciated the step taken by Punjab Revenue Authority of reducing the Sales Tax rate on majority of services (like marriage halls, caterers, tour operators, IT Service Providers, Property Dealers, small hotels, motels and guest houses) from 16% to 5%. He hoped that this measure will help to enhance the Revenues of various service oriented sectors in our provincial economy that have been adversely affected in the recent months.
However, He said, the service recipient still remains liable to sales tax recovery by Sindh Revenue Board (SRB) under Sind Sales Tax Services Act 2011, and vice versa. In this regard, provincial revenue authorities should agree on jurisdictions and common rules. Issues of ‘origin’ and ‘consumption’ on services should also be clarified.
