Chairman, Federal Board of Revenue Dr Muhammad Irshad on Friday said the government was increasing tax net in the coming budget 2017-18.
He said the government was going to present a historic budget after an extensive consultation with all the stakeholders.
During his visit to Lahore chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr Irshad said the concept of putting an extra burden on taxpayers was not correct, the government would not spare non-filers and was committed to receiving tax from the people who were not willing to pay.
On complaints of raids over factories by the FBR field officers, he said the government did not want to put the industry in trouble but sometimes, some misunderstandings could occur due to a communication gap, to resolve these issues. The FBR chairman announced to constitute an advisory committee to create a friendly environment between the government departments and the business community.
He also asked the businessmen to come forward and resolve the issues pending with the FBR to get a concessional treatment.
He said that business community and the FBR had the same goal to increase revenue and business in the country and all the issues should be resolved through a conducive and friendly environment.
Irshad also clarified that the concept of decline in the number of filers was also not correct as the number of filers had jumped to 1.4 million from 0.7 million, while tax rate was being reduced 1pc annually since this government came into power. He said that filers would be facilitated and nobody would be allowed to tease or harass them as they were the backbone of the economy. He said that refunds of Rs 57 billion had already been given while the issue of the remaining amount would soon be resolved.
“Industry is the backbone of the country as it contributes 76 per cent to the revenue and the government gives priority to industry and is trying to protect it through different kind of supports,” he added.
On double taxation issue, the chairman said that the provinces had the right to collect some taxes after the 18th Amendment, but the FBR was fully aware of this issue and would raise its concerns at a proper forum.
The FBR chairman urged the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry to forward its proposals regarding two per cent withholding tax on non-filers, poultry sector, the establishment of National Revenue Authority and Appellant Tribunal.
Earlier, President LCCI Abdul Basit apprised the FBR chairman about the issues of the business community.
Senior Vice President Amjad Ali Jawa, former office-bearers and Executive Committee Members at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry including Mian Muhammad Ashraf, Shahid Hassan Sheikh, Irfan Qaiser Sheikh, Malik Tahir Javed, Shafqat Saeed Piracha, Aftab Ahmad Vohra, Kashif Anwar, Zeeshan Khalil and Awais Saeed Piracha were also present on the occasion.
