Lahore: At a recent meeting held at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah reiterated that tax refunds are a legitimate right of the business community, not a favor, with over Rs. 18 billion credited to taxpayers’ accounts last month alone.
According to Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Jah emphasized the importance of respectful and supportive interactions between tax officials and taxpayers, highlighting recent improvements in the FTO’s handling of complaints. He noted that the decision-making period for addressing taxpayer grievances has been reduced from 60 days to 37 days, reflecting the office’s commitment to efficiency and effectiveness.
During the meeting, Dr. Jah reported on the office’s performance, stating that last year the FTO resolved 8,500 complaints, and this year it has received 10,000, with decisions already made on 9,500. He stressed that appeals against FTO decisions can only be made to the President of Pakistan, underscoring the high rate of upheld decisions at 98%.
LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad praised Dr. Jah’s leadership, noting the community’s trust in the FTO to enforce even the rulings of tax tribunals and courts. He discussed various issues addressed by the FTO, including delays in tax refunds, procedural hang-ups at ports, and unfair tax deductions affecting students and businesses alike.
Senior Vice President Engineer Khalid Usman and Vice President Shahid Nazir Chaudhry also spoke highly of the FTO’s advancements in accessibility and responsiveness, including accepting complaints via a web portal, mobile app, and even WhatsApp. They noted that in the first six months of the year, the FTO received 5,950 complaints, resolving 82% of them promptly.
The session also covered the broader contributions of Dr. Jah, including his role in establishing the Customs Healthcare Society, which provides free medical services to underprivileged communities and has been pivotal in delivering clean water through over 3,000 water wells.
The LCCI leadership collectively commended Dr. Jah for his work and the positive impact of his office on Pakistan’s business and social landscape, emphasizing the ongoing need for public awareness and education on tax-related issues to further enhance governance and compliance.