Holding myself accountable: FBR chief

RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Ali Arshad Hakim categorically said on Monday that he will start accountability process, making himself accountable first to bring maximum transparency and fairness in the system.

On the conclusion of the meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) here on Monday, he was responding to various queries on the accountability of the tax officials. “We have to start with positive attitude. As far as accountability of tax officials is concerned, I will start accountability from myself.” The existing transfers and postings of tax officials are being made on merit in a professional manner as personally I don’t know the officers who were given new assignments at different ports.

When asked about launching of the new amnesty scheme for owners of black economy, the FBR Chairman did not disagree with the idea of the amnesty scheme. The amnesty schemes have been given in different countries like UK. The granting of amnesty schemes is not an unusual idea as various modern tax administrators have launched such kind of instruments ie, whitening schemes.

The priorities of the FBR would be automation, human resource development and simplification of tax policies and procedures. He argued that tax gap identified by the United States team could be an opportunity for FBR and tax machinery’s efforts should be to improve business environment. He said countries that attract investment, profits are high there and our aim is to help corporate sector improve its profitability and efficiency.   

Specifically responding to a query on achieving the revenue collection target for 2012-13, Ali Arshad Hakim said that the FBR will be able to amass the revenue target of Rs 2,381 billion for current fiscal year.

While declaring tax compliance as one of the most important area, he said that the corporate business should thrive by promoting corporatisation in the country.

About the existing tax-gap, he said that the tax gap identified by the US experts can be an opportunity that can be achieved through improvement in policy and procedures. He announced that technology roadmap for utilizing the Computerized National Identity Cards, labeling of businesses and business persons would be presented to PAC which would enable the parliamentarians to understand the efforts of the FBR.

Chairman FBR said that during next three months IT system would be improved so as to make activities auditable.  He expressed his dissatisfaction over the automation and IT infrastructure of the FBR and said that we are living in 2012 and using systems of 2001, and this has a cost that we are bearing in the shape of inefficiency.

He informed that tax policy need to facilitate organized sector grow faster as the growth of corporate sector would help strengthen the economy and help develop the country in the long run. When businesses of the country to thrive the economy and country would benefit from it, we need to change the system where everybody is able to make progress and prosperity. He said that powers should be located where accountability exists.