The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in pursuit of its vision to be a modern, progressive, effective and credible organisation has tried to help taxpayers file their annual income tax returns. The Regional Tax Office (RTO), Lahore led the way by establishing Taxpayer Facilitation Centres (TFCs) throughout its jurisdiction from August 15 till September 15.
The TFCs were fully equipped with the state-of-the-art facilities and manned by the most competent officers and staff enabling the taxpayers in filing of their tax returns. With the last date of filing of tax returns approaching, a large number of return receipt counters have been set up in the Income Tax offices at Nabah Road Billaur Palace, Shiekhupura and Kasur under the guidance of Haji Ahmcd, Director General RTO Lahore and the direct supervision of Mustafa Ashraf, Commissioner of Income Tax Enforcement, Zone B, Lahore.
"The counters constituted for the purpose of receiving returns are being run by a team of three members with a taxation officer as team in charge, said Mustafa Ashraf Commissioner Enforcement Zone B. The officials placed at the counters have been fully briefed about their duties and are promoting and professing the new taxpayer friendly image of FBR," he added.
They have been specifically advised to facilitate the taxpayers in every respect. The officer in charge will supervise the working of the counters and will be present at all times to resolve any query that may arise. In case of a difficulty that still remains unresolved, the concerned additional commissioners could be consulted.
Identification cards have been issued to the staff deputed at the counters which have to be worn during duty hours. Arrangements made for the counters include tents, furniture and lights for smooth functioning; special counters have been established for senior citizens so that they would not have to stand in long queues to wait for their turn.
Security measures have also been ensured during the functioning of the return receipt counters and security officials are also placed at the main gates to ensure the security of the building.
Banners about the establishment of counters had been displayed at prominent places inside and outside the building so that site of the counter is easily located. The counters are also equipped with brochures and tax facilitation guides on various issues related to taxation. Assistance is also being provided for filling the return forms. The facility for online NTN verification is also available at the counters.
A streamlined mechanism has been implemented for the receipt, sorting and subsequent entry of these returns to the database. The counters will hand over the returns received to the information cell.
The information cell has been established at the Income Tax Office Nabah Road and Billaur Palace, Shiekhupura and Kasur with a taxation officer in charge and sufficient number of officials for sorting out returns and further handing them over in batches to the Return Entry Cell. The Taxation Officers have been deputed as in charge of the Return Entry Cell.
A significant change this year is the fact that previously the returns used to be entered manually in registers while this year electronic register will be maintained. This computerisation has made the whole process more efficient and well-organised.
The proceedings at the receipt counters are being monitored by Haji Ahmed, Director General Regional Tax Office Lahore and Mustata Ashraf, Commissioner of Income tax Enforcement Zone B Lahore to ensure that the finest quality service is provided to the taxpayers. These visits and personal vigilance on part of the senior officers of the department will guarantee a high-level of efficiency and optimum level of taxpayer facilitation.
According to Mustafa Ashraf, special arrangements for receipt of returns have been made for 29 and 30 September. All the authorised branches of State Bank and National Bank would accept tax payments up to 4.00 pm on Saturday, 29th September and up to 5.00 pm on Sunday, 30th September 2007. Accordingly, all return receipt counters will remain open till 7pm on Saturday, September 29 and up to 8pm on Sunday, September 30.
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