The Pakistan Revenue Automation Ltd (PRAL) has many technical deficiencies hindering its progress on development of effective IT systems for the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), said the Board sources.
According to the sources, there are ample concerns about the effectiveness and integration of the working of IT systems like sales tax real time invoice verification (STRIVE), web-based one customs (WeBOC) and e-filing of income tax returns, commonly known as IRIS.
The STRIVE is a locally designed system by PRAL and it is a basic IT tool to help the FBR in recording the invoices related to input and output taxes and it has played a pivotal role in choking the problem of illegal input tax adjustments, alongside it has also made the process of verification of sales tax invoices transparent and accountable.
The WeBOC is homegrown software developed by the Pakistan Revenue Automation Ltd. (PRAL) based on the premise of one window and paperless customs. The main aims to launch this project was to enhance the efficiency of customs through proper allocation of resources, reduction in processing time, paperless and one window environment first at the level of customs and then taking it to the national level, reduction in dwell time, minimize the interaction between the customs officials and client, check on the discretionary powers of the customs officials and procedural simplification.
IRIS is software launched in October 2014 to overhaul the regime of income tax including direct as well as indirect taxes. It is integrated, highly configurable, end to end and highly customizable software. The name Iris itself is taken from a flower which is considered as a symbol of wisdom.
It has been made user-friendly by making it accessible through different latest browsers. Every citizen's computerized national identity card (CNIC) is used as a user ID to make access easy and convenient. This system is specifically designed for filling of Income tax returns, withholding statement, and wealth statements.
The FBR sources have stressed upon an integrated IT system which will be more helpful in bringing a revolutionized change in the organization and can be a right step in making the organization, a paperless entity which will enhance the efficiency and will help in capitalizing the financial resources.
Some officers have also pointed out that the IT system should be developed while keeping in view the problems faced by the field formations instead of considering the vested interests of a few who are sitting at the level of headquarters.
They are of the view that the headquarters of the Board should play the role of a coordinating agency in the development of such effective IT systems. Further, they added that there should also be training sessions to enhance the know-how of the taxpayers about the systems.