FBR Chairman Dissatisfied With Tax Officers

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) chairman is dissatisfied with the performance of tax officers at headquarters and field offices, sources told ProPakistani. On the chairman's instructions, FBR tax offices remained open on Saturday. Officers are now facing increased pressure to improve tax collection. ALSO READ FBR Removes Senior Officer Over Corruption Charges Sources said senior and junior officers were questioned during a recent meeting about tax collection and overall performance. Two officers were also suspended. One was suspended over a lack of knowledge about the Track and Trace System, while another was suspended for failing to issue a required Sales Tax SRO. FBR leadership believes officers must now deliver stronger results after being provided vehicles and other facilities, sources said. FBR achieved its tax collection target in July but missed the August target by around Rs. 28 billion. Sources said the authority also needs to review its tax collection strategy. Some field offices are reportedly reaching monthly targets through arrangements with taxpayers involving fixed monthly payments. While this may help offices meet short-term targets, it is unclear whether such an approach can create a sustainable tax system. It won't be wrong to point out that sustainable growth in tax revenue ultimately requires stronger economic activity.