Powers of income tax tribunal may be enhanced

The government is likely to enhance powers of Income Tax Appellant Tribunal (IPAT) and Customs, Sales Tax and Excise Tribunal in budget 2007-08. Sources told Business Recorder on Monday that the government might enhance the limit from Rs 1.5 million to 5 million for hearing case at the level of single bench of the tribunal.
The decision would ensure speedy clearance of pending cases at the level of tribunal. The government is also considering to increase the powers of double bench of tribunal comprising technical and judicial members. For this purpose legal changes would be introduced in relevant tax laws.
The sources said the amendments in relevant tax law were required for Finance Bill 2007-08 in the coming budget. CBR Chairman Abdullah Yousaf has repeatedly said at different forums that the board was actively interacting with the law and justice division and tribunals to clear backlog of pending cases. Another proposal under consideration is to allow single bench of tribunal to hear appeal against the decision of single bench.