August 06, 2006	Sunday	Rajab 10, 1427

ISLAMABAD, Aug 5: The Central Board of Revenue has decided to further abolish five commissioners of appeal and one adjudication collectorate following a massive reduction in litigation cases.The decision was taken in a quarterly conference of commissioners and collectors of appeals chaired by CBR Chairman M. Abdullah Yousuf here on Saturday.

The total number of commissioner’s appeals was 39, which were reduced to 16 last year. Now with five further reductions, it would come to 11. The total number of adjudication collectorates would now be eight following the dismantling of one.

Mr Yousuf directed the officers dealing with tax appeals and adjudication cases, filed by the taxpayers, to decide all the cases purely on merit and in accordance with the provisions of the existing rules and laws.

The CBR chairman emphasised that all tax appeals and adjudication cases must be dealt with utmost responsibility and transparency. The CBR disposed of 78,000 appeals/cases out of total 80,000 in the last two years.He expressed the confidence that the quality of decisions to be made by the appeals officers in future would now be improved considerably. Mr Yousuf was of the opinion that full implementation of the Universal Self Assessment Scheme would further reduce the level of litigation.