ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is working to simplify the tax system and minimise direct interaction with collectors in order to facilitate the taxpayers, but there is a need to develop a relationship of confidence and understanding to further enhance tax revenue of the country.

This was stated by Ayesha Khalid, Chief Commissioner Inland Revenue, here on Friday.

Addressing the business community at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Ms Khalid said a “grievances cell” had been set up to address complaints of taxpayers.

She asked the ICCI to nominate a focal person for coordination with it to address the tax grievances of the business community.

She said that RTO Islamabad would consider the request for a Help Desk at the ICCI to facilitate its members in filing tax returns. She said that such desks can also be set up in major markets to facilitate the traders.

The RTO Islamabad in collaboration with ICCI would try to address the tax issues of the business community in order to achieve the set tax targets, she added.

Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, President ICCI, said RTO Islamabad should provide a list of top 100 taxpayers to host a ceremony at ICCI to recognise their tax contributions.

He said that all chambers of commerce were playing a positive role in broadening the tax base as no business person can get membership of any chamber without registration in the tax system.

However, he said the FBR should develop close liaison with major chambers of commerce to identify the new taxpayers instead of further burdening the existing taxpayers.

He said that RTO Islamabad should take ICCI on board before sending its inspectors to markets to address tax matters with joint efforts.

The ICCI president said that the business community should be given representation in the policymaking process of FBR to promote a tax system that should facilitate the growth of business and investment activities.

Published in Dawn, October 22th, 2022