years, took the initiative to speed up the reform program.
A cursory glance at the TRC’s recommendations showed that if they are implemented the FBR will witness a revolutionary change, especially through simplification of laws.
The TRC member said a cumbersome procedure and complex tax return system shies away the existing as well as potential taxpayers.
The TRC’s recommendations said there has to be an urgent change within the FBR’s culture and in the attitude of tax collectors. It urged the need for promotion of an idea that tax payment is an honour and tax evasion is a disgrace.
The relationship between FBR and taxpayers has to be customer-oriented rather than adversarial. Emphasis has to be on taxpayers’ facilitation and incentivisation for honesty and integrity for both taxpayers and FBR.
The TRC asked for a separate committee with a mandate to simplify the Income Tax Ordinance and other tax laws to increase tax compliance.
“A period of six months should be given for this task considering the urgency,” it said. “All tax laws should be translated in Urdu language and moving forward all FBR circulars, instructions should be released both in Urdu and English.”
The commission further recommended that a separate committee should be formed to review and simplify tax return forms with a mandate to reduce the level for compliance effort by 50 percent within two years.
The TRC recommended that three months should be given to the committee to complete its task. It also advised a taxpayer’s grievances redressal system.
“Make all financial transactions transparent, eliminate money power and corrupt administrative structure,” the commission recommended.
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