LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Wednesday gave an opportunity to Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for framing rules to resolve problems being faced by the taxpayers on expiry of stays in their pending appeals before Commissioners (Appeals).
Justice Shahid Jamil passed the orders while hearing various petitions filed by Magma Textile Mills and others who had approached the court for relief on expiry of stays in their appeals pending before the Commissioners (Appeals).
As the proceedings began, Chairman FBR Tariq Pasha along with member legal appeared before the court on being summoned. The court expressed concern over non-compliance of various directions issued to FBR authorities for resolution of problems being faced by the taxpayers on expiry of stays in their pending appeals before Commissioners (Appeals).
To which, Chairman FBR Tariq Pasha submitted that steps were being taken for the purpose but due to certain problems, the rules had not been framed yet. However, he requested, the court to grant three months time for the purpose. He assured that the rules would be framed within the said period.
To another court query regarding usage of CNIC as NTN number, the chairman briefed that a plan had been devised in this regard with cooperation of National Database and Registration Authority, which would be implemented within two months.
At this, the court gave three months time for framing of rules to resolve problems of taxpayers while adjourning the matter till first week of March. The court also sought a compliance report regarding implementation of plan for usage of the CNIC as NTN number.
The petitioners had submitted that they approached the Commissioners (Appeals) against tax demands of the tax authorities. The commissioners initially granted stay but after expiry of stipulated stay time, they were forced to approach the LHC for relief as no other remedy was available in this regard.
It is pertinent to mention here that Commissioner Appeals is the first level where the FBR's tax-related orders can be challenged. If any party is not satisfied with the Commissioner Appeals judgment, it can go to the Appellate Tribunal. Against the decisions of the Appellate Tribunal, the party can go to the higher courts.
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