The Federal Board of Revenue has empowered the newly constituted Tax Facilitation Committee (TFC) to propose comprehensive changes for removing distortions in the tax laws, simplifying tax collection procedures and improving revenue gathering through broadening of tax base.
Sources told Business Recorder here on Tuesday that the FBR has issued terms of reference pertaining to the committee on tax facilitation. The committee comprises a large number of members from private sector including leading chartered accountant firms, tax bar associations, trade bodies, chambers, provincial representatives and exporters associations. The terms of reference has also specified the powers and jurisdiction of the committee in tax related matters.
The committee has been given the mandate to identify day-to-day issues of taxpayers and suggest appropriate solutions of disputes. The committee may visit different stations/tax bars/chambers to elicit their viewpoint on tax related issues in the field formations.
It would be empowered to make recommendations for changes in the tax laws rationalise collection according to the paying capacity of the existing and prospective taxpayers. It would also have the authority to suggest appropriate mode and manner for proper implementation of taxation laws and procedures. The committee would also assist FBR in enhancement of its image amongst the existing and the prospective taxpayers through different awareness campaigns.
Sources said that the meetings of the TFC may be held in major cities of the country and if any member fails to attend three consecutive meetings, without any reasonable cause shall cease to be a member. The FBR has appointed Dr Amna Saeed Khalifa, FBR Director General Strategic Planning and Research (SP&R) as focal person and act as co-ordinator of this committee.
In addition to the co-ordinator, following senior tax officials shall assist this Committee for achievements of its desired objectives: FBR Member Domestic Operations (North), FBR Member Domestic Operations (South), FBR Member Customs and FBR Member Taxpayer Facilitation and Taxpayer Education (Fate). Sources said that the legal status of the committee would be defined in the next meeting.