LCCI urges business-friendly reforms to broaden tax base

LAHORE: Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Ali Hussam Asghar has called for simplified tax procedures, predictable policies and improved taxpayer facilitation to broaden Pakistan’s tax base, enhance voluntary compliance and improve the tax-to-GDP ratio without placing additional pressure on existing taxpayers.

During a meeting with Chief Commissioner Inland Revenue, Regional Tax Office (RTO) Lahore, Fizza Batool, he presented proposals to address taxation-related challenges and strengthen coordination between tax authorities and the business community.

He said bringing more businesses into the documented economy through facilitation, awareness and simplified procedures was essential for sustainable revenue generation. He stressed simplifying registration, return filing and documentation requirements, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), while improving digital services and resolving technical issues promptly.

The LCCI president also called for consistency in tax policies, clearer interpretation of tax laws and effective complaint-resolution mechanisms to build taxpayer confidence. He proposed regular consultative meetings between the RTO and LCCI, alongside joint awareness programmes to help traders and entrepreneurs understand their tax obligations.

Emphasising balanced enforcement, he said genuine procedural mistakes should be distinguished from deliberate non-compliance, with opportunities for correction wherever permitted by law. He added that a facilitative taxation environment would support investment, industrial expansion and employment generation. Chief Commissioner Fizza Batool appreciated the proposals presented by the LCCI president.

Ali Hussam expressed the hope that stronger cooperation between the Federal Board of Revenue and business representative bodies would promote transparent taxation and sustainable economic growth.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026