Karachi MTU growth to be maintained in 2006-07

The last fiscal year's growth of 29 percent in the performance of Medium Taxpayers Unit (MTU) Karachi would be maintained in 2006-2007 also to enable the Centre Board of Revenue (CBR) achieve the national level target. This was stated by Member Sales Tax CBR, Shahid Ahmed while addressing the MTU award ceremony here on Monday.
He praised the MTU for increased taxpayers' population and surpassing the target set for 2004-2005 and said it was heartening to note that out of 118 officials 112 were rewarded for excellent performance.
He said that for the last three years the CBR was exceeding the target and according to latest figures the CBR has collected over Rs 709 billion during 2005-06 against Rs 588.1 billion of 2004-05, showing an increase of Rs 120.9 billion.
The rapid increase in the tax collection has pushed the current year's target to Rs 830 billion. The target is aggressive and the government was expecting the CBR to touch Rs one trillion, he added.
The CBR was concentrating on increasing the direct taxes, he said adding that the growth in indirect taxes have already posted remarkable rise. He hoped that the given target would be achieved and as usual it would be surpassed.
Ibrar Ahmed, Regional Income Tax Commissioner (Southern Zone) said that the rewards were given from CBR funds and it was not meant for officials arrogance but it was given so that the officials continue to keep their excellent performance for facilitating taxpayers.
He said that transparency, perfect monitoring and dedication could enable the MTU to reach a target of Rs 22.8 billion this year and the performance would lead to more growth.
Asrar Raouf, Commissioner of Income Tax said that officials are resilient and dedicated which enabled the MTU to surpass the target of 2004-2005 and increase the population of taxpayers.
He said that 29 percent increase in the MTU collection was a remarkable achievement while the collection at the national level posted an 18 percent increase. He said that efficient monitoring and effective polices had resulted in the increase of tax collection by the MTU.
An intranet connection was being provided which made the MTU Karachi a paperless organisation. The system was implemented from July 1, 2006, he said and added that from July 15 the MTU was starting online newsletter.