KARACHI: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Wednesday issued
the first Active Taxpayers List (ATL) for tax year 2016, showing the number of
non-filers has increased by 0.2 million as compared to ATL 2015.
The
latest ATL contained names of 1.01 million taxpayers, whereas ATL 2015 issued
on February 27 showed the names of 1.21 million return filers.
The
taxpayers on the ATL are allowed to avail benefits of lower withholding tax
rates applicable under several heads of Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.
Tax
experts said fall in number of income tax return filers indicates the failure
of FBR in pursuing taxpayers to fulfil their obligations, including declaring
wealth.
Sources
in the FBR, however, said the number in the latest Active Taxpayers List would
be increased as several returns were not included to the database.
The
FBR has issued guidelines regarding benefits for the active taxpayers, which
include permission to import and export.
Besides
sales tax input credit/adjustment would be allowed, only if purchases were made
by active taxpayers.
In
its statement, the FBR explained: “expenses for income tax will only be
admissible if purchases are made from active taxpayers; only active taxpayers
will be able to participate in the procurement tenders; only active taxpayers
will be able to operate as Clearing Agent, Shipping Agent, etc; and only active
taxpayers will be able to serve as consultant, advisor, etc.”
The
FBR issues ATL on weekly basis to update the number of return filers. The FBR
sources said the number of return filers would further increase in the upcoming
weeks due to the ongoing drive against non-filers.
No comments:
Post a Comment