Peshawar: Federal Tax Ombudsman Dr Asif Mehmood Jana on Thursday said that FTO is a friendly institution for businessmen and taxpayers which works to provide relief within a limited time by redressal of grievances.
The agency also takes effective measures to prevent harassment of business groups due to tax compliance and payment. The FTO expressed this view during a recent visit to the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa business community.
The Federal Tax Ombudsman said that business groups play an important role in the stabilization of the country’s economy and their facilities will be ensured at every level and organization. Dr. Asif Jah told the businessman that last year, FTO has given significant relief to the trading community by refunding $1,000,000. 17.8 crore through the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
FTO has also set up facilitation centers in various cities across the country to help business groups to ensure timely redressal of complaints. He assured the business groups that they would be honored at all costs and that they would be provided facilities on priority basis.
Speaking at the meeting, SCCI President Faud Yshaq called for widening the tax net rather than putting more pressure on taxpayers. He also expressed concern about the 25-25 percent tax on asset transfers. Expressing his opinion, Zia-ul-Haq Sarhadi appreciated the efforts of FTO to facilitate the business community of the country.
In his 24 years of service, FTO has provided relief to hundreds of thousands of people through grievance redressal and relief. Zia said, the FTO team led by Dr. Asif Mehmood Jana has been active and persistent in overcoming the challenges faced by the country’s business community.
According to Zia, the effectiveness of the FTO can be accepted by the appellants within 34 days from the first day of the hearing of any appeal without obtaining the services of any lawyer.
Meeting participants appreciated the general work of FTO and its intelligent system to protect business groups from abuse of official power.
