The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is in the process of re-devising system of sales tax registration to clear backlog of pending applications, seeking new Sales Tax Registration Numbers (STRNs). Sources told Business Recorder here on Wednesday that a meeting was held at the FBR to discuss sales tax registration and attended by FBR Member (IR-Operations), Member (IT)/CEO Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL), Chief (IR Automation-ST), Secretary (Automation & Registration) and PRAL team.
It has been decided that PRAL will start a pilot project at Lahore for launching new registration module, wherein the sales tax registration applications would be received, along with complete set of required documents, at Tax Facilitation Center (TFC) of the Regional Tax Offices (RTOs). These shall be entered into the system on the pattern of National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA) for obtaining computerised national identity card number (CNIC). Incomplete applications and documents will not be accepted, and no online application for registration in Lahore RTOs will be accepted during the pilot project. After a period of one month, the performance/results of this pilot project will be reviewed, and if found satisfactory, will be considered for roll-out at other stations.
Meanwhile PRAL will liquidate all existing pendency which is at the level of PRAL. It is therefore, decided to check the status on the implementation of the decision regarding the start of the pilot project. (Furthermore, the Chief Manager (Operation) PRAL forwarded a progress report as on January 19, 2015 which shows that 396 cases are still pending at the level of PRAL. The FBR has issued necessary directions to the concerned to liquidate all existing pendency immediately), sources added.