LAHORE: The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has adjourned the hearing of a case filed by M/s Al. Tech Engineering & Manufacturers against Chief Commissioner Regional Tax Office-II (RTO-II) until the next date.
According to details, FTO Consultant Tariq Yousaf heard the case of M/s Al. Tech Engineering & Manufacturers in which counsel for the appellant argued that the RTO had failed to release the sales tax refunds for the last two years.
He said the RTO-II had been collecting excessive tax from the company for the last two years. They approached the commissioner concerned many times for release of the refunds but the RTO-II officials did not entertain his case, even after the passage of a reasonable time.
At the end, the company decided to move the FTO seeking intervention in the case. The counsel appealed the FTO advisor to order the RTO-II to clear the refund claims.
The counsel further said that the RTO should refund the excess collection following taxes by the end of financial year but the situation is quite otherwise. Delay in release of refunds put the burden on the taxpayers therefore the RTO should make audit of the cases and release the extra amount collected by it from the taxpayers.
On the other hand, counsel for RTO argued that appellant M/s Al. Tech Engineering & Manufacturers has not submitted all record to the office on which basis it is claiming for refunds. If appellant provides accurate record, the RTO will release refunds, if any, after a proper assessment.
After hearing the arguments from both sides, the FTO Consultant adjourned the case until further hearing and directed the parties to appear on the date to present their arguments in the case.