MahmoodJah, Wednesday, announced setting up a help desk at the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) to address the tax issues faced by industrialists. The FTO, while addressing the industrialists and businessmen during his visit to KATI, said that the initiative was also aimed at increasing awareness among the public and business community about the services being offered by the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO). Dr. Jah highlighted that the FTO is an independent authority mandated to resolve tax-payers’ complaints within 60 days while the current average time for deciding on the lodged complaints was 38 days. Of the 550 appeals filed with the President- the only appellate authority for FTO- as many as 490 decisions by the FTO were upheld, he added. During the year 2021, the FTO resolved refund complaints cumulatively amounting to Rs. 17.8 billion, he said adding that swift resolution of complaints from 800 individuals regarding sales tax on vehicles, resulted in refunds totaling to Rs. 55 million.
Dr. Jah assured taxpayers that they can report complaints without fear, and no unwarranted notices or audits would be issued. President KATI JoharQandhari highlighted the tax related issues faced by industrialists and the business community including notices and audits, difficulties in filing tax returns and delays in refunds. Deputy Patron-in-Chief KATI ZubairChhaya stressed on the need of expanding the tax net and documentation of the economy. Senator Abdul Haseeb Khan emphasized the need for greater public and business awareness of the FTO’s role.
Tariq Malik lauding Dr. Jah’s efforts noted significant increase in the number of resolved complaints from over 2,000 in 2021 to more than 8,000. The event was also attended by SVP KATI NighatAwan, MuslimMohammadi, FTO officials Dr. FaizElahiMemon, BadruddinQureshi, Dr. Fazal Mohammad Abrejo, GulRehman, AbidMehmood, Shahid Nawaz and a large number of industrialists.
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