ISLAMABAD: The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has referred a case of alleged maladministration committed by Inland Revenue officials to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), advising appropriate action against delinquent officials of the Corporate Tax Office (CTO) Islamabad.
The FTO’s findings revealed that the officers at CTO Islamabad failed to file detailed para-wise comments on a taxpayer’s complaint, despite clear directives from the FBR. According to the order, “this casual attitude towards filing detailed parawise comments shows neglect, inattention to discharge of duties and instructions of the Board.”
When contacted tax lawyer Waheed Shazhad Butt informed that even after the FBR issued instructions to all field formations to file detailed responses to complaints investigated by FTO, various field formations including CTO chose to submit only a generalized statement, claiming that “the refund application is under process.” This casual response, without addressing the specific contentions raised in each paragraph of the complaint, was deemed a serious breach of duty by the FTO, he alleged.
In the referral, the FTO highlighted that this conduct reflects a disregard not only of taxpayers’ rights but also of the Board’s own instructions. The Ombudsman has urged the FBR to “look into this serious lapse on his own and take appropriate action against the delinquent officers.”
The case underscores a growing concern about the lack of accountability and responsibility in tax administration, particularly in matters involving taxpayer grievances and refunds.
FTO’s decisive stance is expected to send a strong message across the tax machinery to uphold transparency, procedural integrity, and prompt resolution of taxpayer issues, Waheed added.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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