ISLAMABAD, Aug 13: Federal Board of Revenue Chairman Ahmad Waqar has directed the senior tax managers to clear all the pending refund claims on priority basis

Addressing the directors general of large taxpayers units and regional tax officers here on Wednesday, the chairman said that due payment must be made without any further delay. He said the FBR was receiving a number of complaints regarding refund payment.

“We have to reduce this number to a minimum level,” he said and added, “Simultaneously we need to keep a constant check on fake refund claims so that no payment is made on fraudulent claims”.

Speaking about the ongoing tax reforms, Mr Waqar asked the tax officers to extend all help and support to make this programme a complete success.

He said that he was watching the reforms process closely to achieve the desired results.

He asked the directors general to identify the difficulties faced by them in the system so that corrective measures are taken with immediate effect.

He asked the tax mana-

gers to share their ideas with the board to make further pro-

gress for achieving the targets including enhancement in tax-to-GDP ratio and broadening of tax base.

Talking about the existing image of FBR, Mr. Waqar said, “We have to improve the perception of being unfriendly with the taxpayers. Our approach should be to help and facilitate the taxpayers.”

The chairman observed that tax collection was not an easy job and added, “We have to create an environment in which the taxpayers pay the due taxes, willingly”.