Karachi - The Federal Tax Ombudsman Abdur Rauf Chaudhry has ordered the FBR to refund and clear all such refund claims to the exporters that have been decided. On Tuesday FTO while addressing the members of Lasbela Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that in order to facilitate the exporters he by himself would approach the FBR to make payments of already settled refund claims within the specified time limit.  He said that he will also instruct the FBR to arrange the publishing of Customs’ daily list of Import and Export through PRAL in order to facilitate the business community and to promote the transparency in the international business transactions.
Responding to a question he noticed that the demand of Tool Tax twice at Karachi Northern Bypass which tantamount to double taxation would be addressed in accordance with law in the larger public interest.
The FTO also assured to monitor the expensed being made by Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) from export development surcharge meant for the promotion of export trade in accordance with relevant legal provisions but grossly misused.
In his welcome address, President LCCI, Ismail Suttar said that it is the satisfaction for all concerned that this institution has disposed off about 70,000 cases by the end of 2013 which is really quite appreciative and an exemplary performance for other public institutions. The FTO Office is also watching the pending cases of sales tax refund claims amounting to more than Rs. 97 billions and the issues relating to this matter.
In our opinion the reduction of the rate of sales tax and income tax, as has been suggested by the business community, will not only reduce the complaints against the tax collecting agencies but will also broaden the tax-base in the country.