FBR Introduces New Process to Investigate Tax Evasion and Win Traders’ Trust
To rebuild the trust of the business community, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced a new way of handling tax evasion cases. This change, reported by 24NewsHD TV, comes after the FBR made an important amendment to Section 37A of the Finance Act.
Now, before a commissioner can start investigating traders for tax evasion, they must first get permission from members of the Inland Revenue. A new notification requires that commissioners also consult with business organizations before any investigation begins.
The commissioner must discuss the case with representatives from organizations like the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA), chambers of commerce, the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce & Industry (OICCI), and the Pakistan Business Council (PBC).
In addition to this, the FBR has also released new guidelines under the Sales Tax General Order.
Former caretaker federal minister, Gohar Ejaz, has praised the move, thanking Field Marshal Asim Munir for protecting the business community from harsh “black laws” previously used by the FBR. He mentioned that, due to the business community’s requests, the Finance Act was amended. Now, no trader can be arrested without first consulting trade organizations.
Gohar Ejaz also recalled how representatives from 18 chambers of commerce had raised concerns with Field Marshal Asim Munir regarding the arrest of traders. This new policy is expected to create a more transparent and cooperative relationship between the FBR and the business sector.
