FBR to place traders’ representatives at 17 Regional Tax Offices to improve coordination

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has agreed to nominate two representatives of traders’ associations at each of the 17 Regional Tax Offices (RTOs) across the country to improve coordination between tax authorities and the trading community, the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association (PSGJA) said. 

As per a news report, the association said the decision was taken during a meeting with senior FBR officials, including State Minister Bilal Azhar Kayani, where issues faced by the jewellers community, tax matters and ways to improve cooperation were discussed.

The FBR assured traders that those paying taxes in accordance with the law would not be harassed and would be provided full cooperation.

PSGJA President Qasim Shikarpuri urged traders whose tax returns do not match their assets to revise their filings immediately. He also asked traders who had filed nil returns to correct them where required.

He said all relevant traders should submit advance tax on time. Traders who have already filed accurate returns should also ensure their payments reflect a 30% increase compared with last year’s tax, in line with FBR instructions.

The association president said all tax matters should be handled transparently and in accordance with the law.

He advised traders not to make bribes or under-the-table payments under any circumstances, and asked them to deal with tax matters in consultation with the association’s nominated representatives.

Shikarpuri said continued contact and cooperation between the FBR and the trading community could help remove misunderstandings and produce better outcomes for the jewellers and sarafa community across the country.