ISLAMABAD - Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has said the government has decided not to put extra burden on masses through increasing sales tax in upcoming budget. Member FBR Shahid Hussain Asad revealed this while talking to media here on Wednesday. He said rate of sales tax will remain 17 percent in the budget. He said instead of increase in sales tax, FBR will reinforce its collections mechanisms. Responding to a question regarding shortfall in revenue collections for current fiscal year, he said FBR has taken special initiatives to meet Rs2345 billion target. It is worthy to note that FBR, in last two months of current financial year, has to collect slightly over Rs600 billion.
Shahid Hussain rejected reports of imposing any emergency in FBR to achieve this target, and said there is no need for such. He expressed confidence that FBR will cover the shortfall.
To another question, he said FBR cannot end Rs500 billion tax exemptions due to several international agreements such as preferential trade agreements (PTAs) with different countries.