FBR orders fast-track tax refunds

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has ordered tax and customs officials in Karachi to expedite resolution of refund delays and procedural bottlenecks flagged by the business community during a meeting with the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI). FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial visited KCCI along with senior officials including the Member Customs Operations, Chief Collector Customs Appraisement (South) and Chief Commissioner Large Taxpayer Office (Karachi), where business representatives presented a detailed briefing on policy and operational challenges. Issues highlighted included delays in tax refunds, concerns over super tax instalments and procedural constraints affecting business operations. In response, the chairman directed the Chief Commissioner LTO and Chief Collector Customs Appraisement (South) to prioritise and expedite resolution of the issues raised. He also instructed Inland Revenue Service (IRS) and Customs officials in Karachi to conduct a comprehensive review and ensure timely responses to identified problems. Langrial said all legitimate tax refund claims would be processed efficiently, subject to due process and compliance with codal requirements to support business liquidity. He reiterated that while the FBR would facilitate taxpayers and address genuine concerns, all due taxes would be collected strictly in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The chairman emphasised a zero-tolerance policy against corruption and said officials were prohibited from creating unnecessary hurdles or seeking undue favours from taxpayers. He urged members of the business community to report instances of corruption with credible evidence, assuring that strict disciplinary action would be taken against those found involved in misconduct. The meeting also focused on improving coordination between tax authorities and businesses to ensure smoother operations and reduce compliance-related difficulties. Officials said the FBR remains responsible for overseeing implementation and operational aspects of tax administration and would examine the concerns raised by KCCI. The chairman said the objective was to streamline processes and address bottlenecks affecting Karachi businesses while maintaining compliance with existing legal and regulatory frameworks. He added that timely resolution of these issues would help improve the business environment and facilitate economic activity in the city.