The pace of filing of income tax returns by taxpayers has been slow but the tax money so far received by the Eastern Region is on higher side as compared to previous year. "We are not in a position to give the exact figure of IT returns received so far, but it is very clear that despite low number of returns filed so far, as compared to last year, the tax amount received till September 25 is significantly higher," said Additional Commissioner (Headquarters), Munawar Ghafoor on Saturday.
He said that last year, the Eastern Region had received 176,000 tax returns, but this year the number is expected to grow significantly, besides improvement in the tax amount.
About low pace of filing, he said that majority of people usually turn up during the last few days of the month of September; therefore, the number seems low. "But from Monday, we are expecting heavy rush of taxpayers at the special counters established in the region," he said.
CBR is extending maximum facilities to the taxpayers for filing IT returns voluntarily. The CBR has also given them immunity in audit and also set up tax facilitation centres to guide them in filing Income Tax returns and other related matters. Universal Self-Assessment Scheme (USAS) is also a sort of immunity as, under the USAS, a taxpayer's return is accepted as it is. Similarly, retailers having turnover up to Rs 5 million can opt to pay tax @ 0.75 percent while there is no need to file wealth statement up to Rs 500,000.
Moreover, Ghafoor said, taxpayers are issued refunds promptly. All such facilities are being provided by CBR to facilitate taxpayers and to improve their relations with tax collectors. The CBR has taken necessary steps for the taxpayers' facilitation; therefore, it is the duty of taxpayers to come forward with open mind and voluntarily file their tax returns.
He ruled out the possibility of extending the date for filing income tax returns.
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