RAWALPINDI: Trader’s contribution towards revenue collection has been increased and we do appreciate their efforts in strengthening the national economy. Inland Revenue department has delegated certain services to zonal offices so that local tax payer get easy access and get their grievances addressed at local level. This was stated by Dr. Basheerullah Khan, Chief Commissioner Inland Revenue, RTO, Rawalpindi during his meeting with Malik Shahid Saleem, President Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) here on Tuesday.
Basheerullah Khan said, we acknowledge the important contribution of honest taxpayers to the national cause and they would not be harassed while tax evaders would not be spared.
RCCI president Malik Shahid Saleem on this occasion said, the focus must be to increase the tax base and revenue collections through various measures and there is a need to bridge the trust gap between tax administration and the taxpayer.
Senior Vice President Badar Haroon, Vice President Fayyaz Qureshi, former presidents and trade representatives were also present in the meeting.
Dr. Basheerullah Khan assured all-out cooperation to the taxpayers and asked for proposals to improve working and mitigate problems being faced by traders’ community.
RCCI President said tax incentives should be given to local industry to promote imports substitution and GST should be reduced to single digit level to bring down cost of doing business. The sales tax on cottage industry like shoe manufacturing from scrap and recycle material must be abolished.
Group leader and former president Sohail Altaf said that traders are not against the taxes, however, harassment should be stopped in the name of tax collections, registration of business centers and multiple audits and misuse of discretionary powers of inland revenue officers.