Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is implementing a significant change to expedite the processing of sales tax refund claims. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
- New Positions Created: The FBR has decided to establish 25 specialized posts titled “Commissioner Refund” across various field formations.
- Effective Date: These positions will become operational starting from July 1st, 2024.
- Addressing Delays and Allegations: This initiative follows a recent sales tax refund incident in Lahore, highlighting potential delays and concerns about corruption within the existing system.
- Improved Efficiency and Transparency: The dedicated “Commissioner Refund” positions aim to streamline the refund process by authorizing officials at the field level to handle approvals, potentially reducing delays and enhancing transparency.
- Current Process: Previously, field formations processed sales tax refund claims but forwarded them to the FBR Board for final approval.
- Expected Outcome: The introduction of these specialized positions is anticipated to expedite the refund process and improve overall efficiency for businesses seeking tax claims.
Following Developments:
The FBR is expected to issue official notifications regarding the new positions and their deployment details in the coming days. Businesses that frequently deal with sales tax refunds are advised to stay updated on the FBR website or through official channels for further information.
