The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has paid refunds/rebate of Rs 71.883 billion during 2015-16 as compared to Rs 115.216 billion in 2014-15, reflecting a massive decrease of 37.6 percent. According to the data compiled by the FBR, 56 percent decrease has been witnessed in payment of direct taxes refunds in 2015-16 against same period last year.
Sales tax refunds were reduced by 25 percent during this period. 100 percent decrease has been witnessed in refund payments of federal excise duty whereas customs rebate increased by 31.9 percent in 2015-16 when compared with last fiscal. During fiscal year 2015-16, 37.6% lesser refunds have been paid as compared to the corresponding period last year, report added.