Lahore: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has outlined plans to simplify tax administration, expand digital services and improve taxpayer facilitation, according to a news source on September 24.
Speaking to a delegation from the Lahore Tax Bar Association on Wednesday, FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial said that the FBR would strengthen consultation with stakeholders, including tax practitioners, to address tax-related issues and improve the administration of the tax system.
The Lahore Tax Bar Association raised several operational and technical concerns during the meeting. These included recurring technical issues with the FBR’s IRIS online tax portal, particularly during peak filing periods. The delegation also proposed establishing a dedicated PRAL office in Lahore to facilitate the resolution of technical problems.
The Tax Bar further called for clearer jurisdictional arrangements between Regional Tax Office-I and Regional Tax Office-II, citing delays associated with the transfer of cases. It also raised concerns relating to minimum tax requirements and other compliance matters faced by taxpayers.
The delegation requested an extension of the income tax return filing deadline, citing technical and legal difficulties encountered by taxpayers. It also highlighted challenges involving taxpayer registration and record updates under Section 181 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, as well as discrepancies in the reconciliation and linking of income tax and sales tax records.
The FBR leadership heard the concerns raised by the delegation and discussed measures relating to taxpayer facilitation and digitalisation of tax administration. The meeting comes as the FBR continues efforts to expand Pakistan’s tax base and improve revenue collection, with digitalisation and administrative reforms forming part of its broader tax reform agenda.
