Automation system: FTO approves Rs250m upgradation plan

LAHORE: Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Dr Muhammad Asif Jah has approved Rs 250 million upgradation plan for the existing automation system and security of files, said sources.

The step has been taken under the reform agenda finalised by the FTO to make its services viable to the general public. It may be noted that FTO Dr Asif Mahmood Jah has been proactive in redressal of complaints and grievances in a short span of his tenure as FTO.

He has recently set up an advisory committee consisting of honorary positions of Coordinator (Business Liaison) in the FTO Offices at Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, Gujranwala, Multan, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Abbottabad, Sargodha and Sukkur to present taxpayers problems, issues, conflicts and concerns to the respective advisors in FTO Office and act proactively for immediate redressal of the same.

This would also be instrumental in resolving key tax issues of business community and will act as bridge between traders, trade bodies and FTO for quick redressal of the genuine problems faced by the traders across the country.

The automation plan would focus on expanding the existing limited space of the website to facilitate complainants interested in tracking down status of their complaints online. The sources said the FTO office website would carry a separate domain for the general public, having interest to approach it for the resolution of their tax disputes with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

At present, they said, no sufficient bandwidth is available to facilitate complainants, opening up the web page for tracking down their complaints.

Under the new automation plan, not only the size limit of the files would be enhanced but they would be available for general viewers for unlimited time as well. The sources said the existing system is unable to upload even a 4MB file on the website. According to the sources, the upgradation plan has been forwarded to the regional offices for their further input followed by putting it up to the government for release of funds.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2022