SSTR implementation for telecom sector: FBR asks provinces to propose change in existing legislative framework

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has asked provinces to propose any change in the existing legislative framework developed for implementation of the Single Sales Tax Return (SSTR) for the telecom sector.

According to a letter of the FBR to the provinces here on Wednesday, in pursuance of the government’s desire to facilitate taxpayers, promote ease of doing business and reduce compliance costs, the FBR in collaboration with Provincial Tax Authorities has launched Single Sales Tax Return (SSTR) for the telecom sector across all jurisdictions vide circular dated February 1, 2024.

The SSTR has been developed after rounds of negotiations between the FBR, Provincial Revenue Administrations and the Telecom Sector under the auspices of the Committee constituted vide Notification No.2878-IR-I/ 2023 dated 20th October, 2023 for the Design Development & Implementation of Single Portal, and Single Portal Committee constituted.

The SSTR has been used by Telecom Sector to submit their returns for month of January in February, 2024. The SSTR has been developed in line with existing legal framework for sales tax at federal and provincial levels, therefore, any changes to Sales Tax Rules will require significant development work at the backend to ensure that the SSTR remains aligned with applicable laws/rules/procedures etc.

In view of this, the FBR has requested that any changes being proposed to the existing legislative framework for Sales Tax Return that are likely to affect the implementation of Single Sales Tax Return may be intimated to the Design Development & Implementation Committee of Single Portal through Chief (Provincial Taxes) so that the provincial revenue authorities are taken on board, the FBR added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024