A delegation of tax officials would leave for Bulgaria on Sunday to study the integrated tax automation system at the National Revenue Authority, Bulgaria, with the assistance of World Bank (WB). Under the program, Pakistan's tax managers would analyse different tax systems of Bulgaria during their visit from November 29 to December 2, 2004.
The government of Pakistan would be represented by CBR Chairman Muhammad Abdullah Yusuf. The delegation includes Member Tax Policy and Reforms and CBR spokesman M S Lal, Member Sales Tax Shahid Ahmed and Dr Ather Maqsood Ahmed Member, Fiscal Research and Statistics.
Official sources told Business Recorder here on Saturday that the World Bank had invited government of Pakistan to study the 'Bull system', which was originally designed by French officials. 'Bull system' is fully operational in Bulgaria, which is basically an integrated system covering income tax, value-added tax (VAT) regime and other taxes.
The CBR also wants integration of taxes under the 'tax administration reform project'. The CBR needs a combined system for all revenue processes for speedy processing of applications and simplification of processes.
The 'Bull system' in Bulgaria is in place with the assistance of World Bank. The bank wants CBR to observe the system applicable in Bulgaria for its utilisation in Pakistan.
This would enable the tax officials to decide whether Pakistan can use the 'integrated resource system' subject to changes for own requirement or CBR will develop a software on the basis of re-engineered processes.
During the visit, Pakistani tax officials will see the 'project management unit' responsible for executing reform program and share experience of project management, which is being done by Tax Reform Wing, officials said.
They said that the study of project management unit and project office will enable the CBR to devise organisational structure of program management unit for implementation of tax reform project. It will also improve the integrity and fairness of tax administration by improving organisational efficiency and effectiveness of revenue administration.
The delegation will also meet the officials of Bulgarian revenue agency responsible for tax administration reforms, automation and Human Resource Development.
The delegation will also meet the Deputy Foreign Minister of Bulgaria, officials said.
The project aims at promoting compliance through strengthened audit and enforcement capacity and transparent and high quality tax services.