Who gets the bill?

The government is collecting tax on utility bills. But the utility companies often do not allow the person who the bill is charged to be changed easily. This can become a problem when one is renting out their property, as the bill is charged to them instead of the tenant using the electricity. The tenant also suffers as he/she is paying the tax on the utility bill, usually bills and other such costs are included in the rent, without being credited for it as the bill is not in their name. Hence, they are unable to receive any of the benefits associated with paying these taxes. The government should encourage the utility companies to make it easier to change the identity of the drawee.

Engr Shahryar Khan Baseer

Islamabad