Mutual Learning Initiative (MLI) has been started by Aftab Imam, Chief Commissioner Inland Revenue, Corporate Regional Tax Office, Karachi, for capacity building of Inland Revenue Service (IRS) officers and officials. The MLI sessions have become a frequent feature of Corporate RTO Karachi and emerging taxation issues are discussed in detail during interactive sessions attended by all officers of CRTO Karachi.

Two such MLI sessions were held on Oct 17 and 18 at CRTO, Karachi on the important topic of 'Chain audit and Sales Tax Fraud' presented by IR Commissioner (Zone-V) Dr Zafar Rafiq. The session was attended by all the officers and officials posted at CRTO, Karachi including the newly recruited Inland Revenue inspectors.

The sessions focused on importance, ways and means of conducting audit of whole supply chain to detect the tax frauds. The legal recourses to tackle such cases under the Sales Tax Act, 1990 were discussed in detail. Case-study and real-life scenarios in detection of fraud cases were shared which greatly helped the audience. The participants freely discussed their queries and shared experiences as well. Participants including the newly-appointed Inspectors gained substantial knowledge from the workshop and considered it practically helpful in detection of fraud cases on an on-going basis.

The participants, as a result of the session realised the importance of continuous monitoring and analysis of supply chain business activities and their monthly Sales Tax returns in the light of effective tips and techniques shared by the speaker.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019