Five-marla houses in the areas falling other than "A" category will be exempted of property tax; however, small houses in posh as well as in "A" category areas will be liable to pay tax as per schedule, said Shahid Ashraf Tarar provincial Secretary Excise and Taxation while talking to executive committee of Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
He said it was not possible to apply old rate of tax which was in 2001. "Although it's almost impossible to re-impose 10-year-old property tax ratio decided in the light of tax survey 2001-2002; we're still in the process of consulting with all stakeholders," he added. However, "we would not introduce irrational tax and new rate would be added gradually to facilitate the taxpayers."
He said web-based system is being introduced to save taxpayers of the blackmailing and harassment by the staff. He disclosed that files of 1.1 million vehicles are to be out-sourced for scanning very soon and original files would be handed over to the owners of the vehicles. He said proposals received from stakeholders are being considered seriously and the government has decided to put the burden of increase in tax ratio gradually on the tax payers.
He said besides the value of property, manifolds increase was witnessed in the number of new plazas, markets and residential colonies. "We want to broaden tax base and introduce such ratio that is acceptable to all," he declared. Khawaja Muhammad Usman pleaded the case of traders as well as citizens of Multan in befitting manners and convinced the excise authorities to reconsider their proposals keeping in view the deprivations, poverty and low rates of rent.