Islamabad: Prime Minister Imran Khan recently approved an extensive tax-reform-plan, under which the government will able to conduct a nationwide tax documentation and assessment drive — along with an immovable property survey, according to news sources.
These steps are aimed at identifying thousands of possible tax evaders, in order to have them register with the tax authorities. The field staff of the Federal Board of Revenue have assured the government of their support. However, they have also expressed the need to analyse the results of such tax drives of the past and try to understand why they failed to provide any definitive results.
This nationwide tax assessment and documentation drive is expected to be completed in two years. On the other hand, the government has planned a digital nationwide survey of immovable property and a digital survey of the Islamabad Industrial Area with geotagging. This proposal has been initiated by the Chinese, and will be completed in two years.
In a related development, the FBR’s Inland Revenue Service Officers Association (IRSOA) has expressed great reservations over the fact that the tax machinery collected 86% of the total national revenue and that it will be excluded at the planning stage. The IRSOA has expressed their hope that the alternative, more inclusive plan that is being submitted to the authority will merit consideration. The association has reaffirmed its resolve to remain vigilant in its revenue collection duty to safeguard the national revenue stream, which fuels the governance framework of the country.
Hazafa reveres the art of writing and has been turned into a property enthusiast by profession. Her daily survival kit includes; tea, coffee, keyboard and paperbacks.
