LAHORE: A delegation of All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) on Wednesday lauded the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for accelerating payment of tax refunds.
The delegation called on FBR Inland Revenue Operations Member Dr Muhammad Ashfaq Ahmed and discussed issues pertaining to the release of sales tax refunds within seventy two hours, removal of irritants of Annexure-H, issuance of income tax exemption on electricity bills, delay in income tax refunds and other issues faced by export oriented industries.
The APTMA delegation consisted of APTMA Executive Directors Raza Baqir and Shahid Sattar while Dr Ashfaq was assisted by concerned chiefs and secretaries of FBR.
The APTMA delegation appreciated the efforts made by the FBR for early disposal of refund claims of industries, adding that the member mills are satisfied with the performance of the tax board.
The delegation further expressed the hope that the board would start clearing refund claims within 72 hours of their filing by exporters. The delegation also expressed hope that the FBR would soon take steps to further improve its systems.
Dr Ashfaq reiterated the government’s resolve and commitment for expeditious payment of tax refunds and the removal of all issues faced by the business community.
He informed the APTMA delegation that the release of refund claims has been expedited by the board and FBR will ensure the payment of all sales tax refunds within 72 hours of their filing.
The FBR Inland Revenue Operations member said that all the systematic issues relating to the Annexure-H would be dealt with within a week which will facilitate exporters in filing of refund claims. He added that the Annexure-H would be simplified to facilitate the taxpayers.
Dr Ashfaq maintained that the trial test of the changes made in the software of Annexure-H is underway and it would be implemented shortly.
He assured that the FBR will also release outstanding and deferred refund claims of the exporters on an immediate basis.
He also urged the APTMA delegation to encourage all of its member mills to file income tax refunds at the earliest for speedy clearance.
He further urged taxpayers to lodge complaints against requests for bribery or harassment by the tax collectors adding that immediate action will be taken against such officials.
