SCCI assured to improve audit system, income tax and other allied issues

PESHAWAR
Chief Commissioner Regional Tax Office, Peshawar, Federal Board of Revenue Muhammad Taqi Qureshi has assured the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry to take proactive steps for improving audit system and removal of traders’ concerns on income tax, examination, digital invoicing along with matter of delay in issuance of FATA/PATA exemption certificate, and checking of vehicles at various points in city under 40/D.
The official also promised to reactivate the advisory committee between the chamber and Regional Tax Office, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Peshawar to promptly resolve taxpayers’ issues.
Taqi Qureshi, the Chief Commissioner, RTO Peshawar also announced establishment of a special desk at Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry to facilitate the taxpayers.
According to details, an important meeting between SCCI President Junaid Altaf and Chief Commissioner Regional Tax Office, Peshawar Muhammad Taqi Quershi was held here at the chamber house on Thursday.
Ms Fuazia Iqbal, Commissioner, Large Taxpayer Zone, Roman Ali Shah, Additional Commissioner Inland Revenue, RTO Peshawar, Junaidur Rehman and Iqtadar, Assistant Commissioners were accompanied by the Chief Commissioner RTO Peshawar muhammad Taqi Quershi.
Apart from SCCI senior vice president Muhammad Nadeem, Chairman, Chamber’s Inland Revenue Standing Committee and former president Zahidullah Shinwari, Chairman, Chamber’s Income Tax Standing Committee and former president Haji Muhammad Asif, former presidents Fazal Moqeem Khan, Faiz Muhmmad Faizi, former vice presidents Malik Niaz Awan, Anees Ashraf, Javed Akthar and Shuja Muhammad, and member of executive committee Sajjad Zaheer, Saifullah Khan, Aftab Iqbal, and Abbas Fuad Azeem and Affaf Ali Khan, Atif Rasheed Khawaja, Ihsanullah, Amin Hussain Babar, Hasnain Sheraz, Secretary General SCCI Muqtasid Ahsan, traders and manufactures were present in a large number on the occasion.
In his open remarks, President Junaid Altaf comprehensively took up issues of taxpayers and emphasized further reform initiatives to simplify the taxation system and bring new people under the tax-net, instead of overburdening the existing taxpayers.
SCCI chief while commenting on the current scenario arised by the prolonged Pak-Afghan border closure and Middle East crisis stated that trade and economic activities had adversely affected, urging the government institutions, especially FBR to play a role as facilitators for the business community.
President Junaid Altaf said SCCI is closely working with government institutions for economic growth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In this regard, he informed a comprehensive Economic Roadmap –Vision 2026-30 would be crafted in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
SCCI chief stressed that the special economic relief package is critical to boost the trade and industrial activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the chamber has accelerated efforts in this regard.
President Junaid Altaf also raised undue delay in clearance of vehicles at Azakhel Dryport and other associated issues, which were being faced by importers and exporters.
Earlier, Chairman, SCCI’s Inland Revenue Committee Zahidullah Shinwari addressed the meeting, highlighted the enforcement related issues, and pointed out various sections of the income tax law that were creating hindrance in smooth carrying of trade and business operations.
Mr Shinwari urged FBR to avoid anti-business actions and harassment on various pretext. He emphasized SCCI should be consulted before enforcement of orders and policies.
Chairman, SCCI’s Income Tax Standing Committee Haji Muhammad Asif also spoke on the occasion and highlighted business community concerns unnecessary appealing and litigation cases, which must be abolished, and urged to take measures for facilitation of taxpayers.
Chief Commissioner RTO Peshawar Taqi Quershi while responding to concerns of business community and various queries called taxpayers as backbone of the national economy and assured SCCI that the FBR is fully committed to extending maximum facilitation to taxpayers and addressing all genuine concerns on a priority basis.
There is a need to fill 1.5 million people with their income tax returns but only 3.5million people have filed income tax returns, the Chief Commissioner informed.
Similarly, senior officer said there is required over one lakh filing of sale tax returns but despite registration of 24,000, only 7,000 people were filed so far income tax returns.
He highlighted under-reporting and under-declaration issues.
The Chief Commissioner urged SCCI to also play the role of tax-collector to broaden the existing tax-base.
He emphasized that tax must be considered as a source of growth and progress instead of burden.
He issued instructions to senior officers on the spot to fix all issues and address genuine concerns of the taxpayers on priority basis.
He announced that an advisory committee between SCCI and RTO Peshawar should be notified shortly, and establishment of facilitation desk at the chamber house.