Survey results: over 96 percent taxpayers unaware of 'Starrs' and 'Streams'

Over 96 percent of taxpayers including business and trade are unaware of the overall sales tax reforms particularly automated sales tax refund systems ie Sales Tax Automated Refund Repository System (Starrs) and Sales Tax Risk Evaluation and Management System (Streams).
It is learnt here on Saturday that the FBR's "Stakeholders Perception Survey-2011" has given these findings after survey of different categories of taxpayers like corporate sector and association of persons (AOPs), etc. According to the survey findings of 2011, most of the taxpayers have negative perception about the sales tax reforms. Over 96 percent respondents are unaware of the objectives of overall sales tax reforms. This can be seen in the following categories: Nearly 98 percent small businesses; 90 percent medium businesses; 91 percent large taxpayers and 94 percent agents/intermediaries. On the other hand, 75 percent tax authorities are aware of the overall sales tax reforms objectives. An overwhelming majority in all categories of respondents overall have negative perception except tax authorities.
The survey results said that regarding speedy detection of fake documents, findings of last survey show a negative perspective that the overall objectives have been achieved partially or not at all. Current trends of 2011 reveal very positive responses (unlike the previous findings) that the speedier process and detection of fake documents has been achieved. Over 75% Agents/Intermediaries consider this to be fully achieved. Very small proportions of respondents have given negative feedback.
Concerning reducing the adverse effect of defaulters on the refunds of other taxpayers, previous findings show that the responses are more towards the positive side as compared to negative feedback by a certain proportion of respondents. Most perceive that the achievement is partial. Current findings of 2011 show a somewhat similar trend in positive light as the previous findings, but a larger proportion of respondents have a neutral perspective, survey results said.
Concerning creation of an efficient and effective sales tax refund system through automation (Starr/Streams), previous findings show positive responses at varying levels. An overwhelming majority perceive this to be partially achieved. Current trends show that most respondents have a neutral perspective in small businesses, Large Taxpayers and Agents/Intermediaries. About 46% Tax Authorities and 40% Medium Businesses show more positive feedback that the objective concerned has been achieved.
Concerning acceleration of the process of refunds against sales tax claims with full documentary trail of every claim properly established previous findings show positive responses at varying levels. Respondents either consider the objective to be partially or fully achieved. Current trends in 2011 follow a somewhat similar pattern as previous findings. Significant proportions in medium businesses and large taxpayers have a neutral perspective. Most tax authorities, small businesses and agents/intermediaries perceive the concerned objective to be achieved, survey report said.
Concerning extent of effectiveness of Starr in processing input claims and refunds overall, previous findings show very negative responses. Most respondents perceive that the rules are not effective or they are unaware. Current trends of 2011 reveal highly positive responses. An overwhelming majority in tax authorities, large taxpayers and all agents/intermediaries perceive the objective to be achieved. Concerning overall limitations of Starr/Stream, most respondents have given negative responses. An overwhelming majority consider this to have many limitations. Current findings also show the same trend as previous responses. Most respondents in all categories have shown negative perceptions that Starr/ Stream has limitations, survey results added.