Reforms in FBR, elimination of corruption,top priority of govt; says PM

September 6, 2019: FBR Chairman Shabbar Zaidi informed the meeting Prime Minister Imran Khan has said reforms in FBR and elimination of corruption in state institutions is top priority of the government.

Prime Minister said increasing confidence of the people in FBR will help expand the tax net. He also directed FBR teams, who visit various markets to enhance people's trust, to ensure on spot recording of their meetings with business personalities.

He said FBR has collected revenue of 579 billion rupees until last month of the current fiscal year, which shows 14.65 percent increase as compared to the previous year.

The Chairman said domestic tax collection saw a rise of 28 percent, while an addition of 7,83,000 more filers expanding the tax net.

Shabbar Zaidi said that tax system is being simplified to facilitate shopkeepers and retailers and a mobile APP titled "Tax Aasaan" has been launched for the facilitation of tax payers.

He said tax forms have been translated into Urdu, while work is underway to transform FBR website in the national language. Besides, list of active tax payers is regularly updated so that they cannot face any difficulty.

Regarding government's efforts to enhance exports, the Chairman said that a scheme to ensure easy exports has been launched.

He said scanners are being installed at various customs stations, while customs facility is being provided at Torkham border round the clock. He said customs operations will be started at Kartarpur Corridor in next few weeks.

Shabbar Zaidi said online registration of imported mobile phones to check smuggling, 'Currency Declare System' at leading airports to declare foreign currency, and 'Advance Passengers Information System' are being ensured.

The Prime Minister was informed that all processes, including registration, issuance of tax certificate, and filing of tax return, are being automated and computerized to ensure transparency and reduce human contact.

It was said that FBR has launched 'Sahulat' web portal in cooperation with National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) through which all information can be accessed online.