Documentation of traders, resolution of tax issues: FBR forms 490 market committees across country

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has so far constituted a total of 490 market committees having 2,090 members across the country for documentation of traders, resolution of their tax related issues and enforcing major documentation measure of seeking CNICs of the unregistered buyers. According to a tax expert, FBR has constituted 490 market committees all over Pakistan with 2,090 members through a relevant office order.

The Chief Commissioners Inland Revenue (IR) are advised by the FBR to add names to the lists of the market committees for areas as in the Office Order dated 19.12.19, or they may constitute new committees from the list for areas not covered under the said order and nominate IR officers as members of such new committees. It is added that the names of areas, sectors and associations, etc, shown against notified members are for identification purposes and CCIRs may add these names to any appropriate area committee.

The market committees were constituted within the jurisdiction of all Regional Tax Offices (RTOs) of the country.

According to an office order issued by the FBR, in pursuance of the agreement dated 30.10.2019 between FBR and traders, with the approval of the competent authority, the market committees are constituted for different markets and areas with membership as shown against each. The committees shall perform such functions as provided in office order of even number dated December 11, 2019. The working of the committees shall be regulated as per laid down procedure.

The workings of the committees shall be regulated under the said criteria. The senior most-tax officers on the committee shall act as conveners. Where a tax officer representative is not included in the committee, the respective CCIR shall nominate such representative.

In case of transfer of an officer, the CCIR concerned shall nominate a substitute. In case of overlap between jurisdictions of territorial and sectoral committees, the function of sectoral committees shall be to provide technical assistance to territorial committees.