ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue has established Exporter Facilitation Committees across Pakistan to address exporters’ concerns, resolve tax disputes and prevent unnecessary harassment by tax authorities.
According to a circular issued by the FBR, the committees will provide a formal platform for facilitation, mediation and dispute resolution between exporters and the tax authority.
The initiative is aimed at promoting voluntary tax compliance, reducing avoidable litigation and improving transparency and fairness in Pakistan’s taxation system.
Committees to Review Exporters’ Operational Issues
The committees will examine problems arising from the routine procedures and administrative practices of FBR field formations that create difficulties for exporters.
These matters will be discussed during monthly meetings, with officials and industry representatives expected to seek solutions through consultation and mutual understanding.
Cases requiring an audit or another form of legal action on the basis of available facts will also be placed before the relevant committee for review.
Each committee will make decisions by majority vote, with a minimum quorum of three voting members. In the event of a tie, the committee chairperson will decide the matter through a brief written order.
The FBR said such decisions would remain subject to periodic review by the tax authority.
Who Qualifies as an Exporter?
Under the circular, an exporter is defined as a person or business that earns at least 80% of its total turnover from exports during any tax year.
This definition will determine which taxpayers can bring their cases before the newly formed facilitation committees.
Separate Committees Established in Major Export Hubs
Separate committees have been constituted for Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad and Sialkot, the country’s major industrial and export centres.
In Karachi, a central committee will handle cases involving exporters with annual exports exceeding Rs10 billion, while a separate committee will deal with other exporters.
Committees have also been established in Lahore, Faisalabad and Sialkot to address issues faced by exporters operating within their respective jurisdictions.
The committees will include FBR officials, prominent industrialists and presidents of the relevant chambers of commerce. Chamber representatives and other industry members will participate as non-voting members.
The move comes as exporters have repeatedly called for simpler tax procedures, quicker resolution of disputes and stronger safeguards against arbitrary action by tax officials.
The FBR expects the committees to improve coordination with the export sector while creating a more predictable and business-friendly tax environment.
Also Read: FBR Holds Tax Awareness Session at PNCA to Guide Staff on Return Filing
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