Removing gap between officials, field formations: FBR yet to implement communication strategy

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has yet to implement the communication strategy to check the gap between tax authorities and 24,000 officials in the field formations. Sources told Business Recorder on Monday that the communication policy formulated by FBR consultant Imran Ghaznavi was duly approved by the board-in-council.
A detailed action plan with the timelines has also been submitted to the board for implementation till the end of Tax Administration Reform Program by 2009. However, the policy is not being implemented by FBR despite appreciation of the World Bank (WB).
Sources said that the WB wanted speedy implementation of the policy to educate and facilitate both internal and external stakeholders. Most of FBR Members were of the view that implementation of the strategy was needed for creating a knowledge-sharing culture and to ensure better interaction among the tax officials, reformed units and business community.
When contacted, FBR Member Direct Taxes Usman Khalid Mirza said that the communication policy has played a key role in increasing the number of filers of income tax returns in 2007-08. It has convinced the different categories of taxpayers to discharge their tax liability under the Universal Self-Assessment Scheme (USAS).
He said that the policy, particularly role of FBR Taxpayer Education and Facilitation Wing, helpline and seminars/workshops encouraged corporate sector to file returns. Officials of FBR Member Facilitation and Taxpayer Education Wing also endorsed the viewpoint of local consultant to improve working of the tax departments.
Sources said that the communication policy would help in maintaining balance/uniform approach across the board, remove ambiguities among gate keepers at every level, maintain centralised flow of information. It would ensure positive perception of the FBR; create public awareness on the incentives offered by FBR for the taxpayers and build friendly and supportive interface.
The policy would help both internal and external stakeholders. It would educate, inform and address the issues, concerns and uncertainties with reference to reforms and update senior management on the latest developments in the avenue of media/communication etc through public/private sector partnership.
In case of external stakeholders, it would educate and inform through interactive session regarding the reform process in order to bridge the communication gap between public and private sector. The corporate messages have been designed in line with the organisational policy and disseminated through effective mediums ensuring the maximum reach for the greater impact.
Sources added that Imran Ghaznavi had submitted comprehensive plan within a short span of one year, covering all areas needed for an effective communication among the stakeholders.