The FBR will establish a facilitation counter to assist taxpayers.

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) convened a meeting on Monday with many business associations to explore methods for improving transparency and efficiency, as well as to develop a taxpayer facilitation mechanism.

The discussion concluded with the decision to establish a facilitation counter for taxpayer assistance, alongside the provision of a dedicated WhatsApp number for the business community to report corruption or malpractices.

The meeting was co-chaired by Chief Commissioner of Regional Tax Office-1 Dr. Faheem Mohammad, Chief Commissioner of Corporate Taxpayers Office Zahid Masood, and Chief Commissioner of Medium Taxpayers Office Aftab Alam, according to a statement released here.

Representatives of the business community emphasised the necessity of initiatives to enhance taxpayer awareness, thereby fostering a tax culture and educating them on pertinent tax procedures and legislation, enabling them to fulfil their tax duties independently.

They articulated their apprehensions regarding measures addressing PoS infractions and underscored the necessity of a close collaboration between the FBR and associations, which will positively influence total revenue collection and the enforcement of tax laws and procedures.

It was unanimously advised that the facilitation of taxpayers should remain central by organising seminars, awareness campaigns, and employing various communication methods, as an informed taxpayer is more likely to fulfil their tax obligations rather than resorting to unethical activities.

Chief Commissioner RTO-1 Dr. Faheem Mohammad, emphasising the inadequate tax collection figures and tax evasion activities, requested the business community to assist in combating corruption and malpractices within the tax agency.

Chief Commissioner CTO Zahid Masood remarked that the FBR aims to facilitate merchants by eliminating unnecessary obstacles in their business operations.

Chief Commissioner MTO Aftab Alam asserted that a mutually beneficial partnership between the FBR and its stakeholders is essential to establish a transparent tax payment system from the taxpayer’s perspective.