Restructuring of FBR, idea of creating PRA discussed

It is learnt that under the restructuring plan, the government is examining the idea of converting existing Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) into a Pakistan Revenue Authority (PRA) to introduce centralize collection mechanisum of sales tax.

The federal government and provinces are already discussing plan for harmonization of tax system between the centre and provinces.

However, the issues of autonomy, powers, jurisdiction, collection have to be resolved. Major legal issues for collection of sales tax by the proposed PRA and transfer of the amount to provinces needs to be sort out. The plan was also been discussed with the Prime Minister Imran Khan in a recently held meeting.

In the meantime, the FBR may also be restructured by creating North and South Zones for Inland Revenue Operations. Another idea is to appoint two senior Deputy Chairmen of FBR to segregate separate functions of Inland Revenue and Customs. The idea was also discussed during the first day of Chief Commissioners Conference held at the FBR House here on Monday. Chief Commissioners Conference would continue on Tuesday.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019

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