ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is working on a new tax system to reduce human interaction which will eventually enhance transparency and efficiency of the board, said Dr Muhammad Ashfaq Ahmed, Member (Inland Revenue Operations).

Addressing the business community at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) on Friday, he said the current fragmented system was not helpful for sustainable growth of the economy, hence the board was working to put in place a new tax system to reduce direct interaction, promote ease of doing business and transparency that would facilitate the taxpayers.

The process, however, will take two to three years to be implemented, he said, adding that promotion of industry, trade and exports is the top priority to boost tax collection.

“The new tax system will end harassment from taxpayers as direct interactions will be replaced with video link meetings for hearings,” he explained, adding that the FBR will adopt e-audit policy to select minimal cases for audit through the system and promote transparency.

He announced that a Corporate Tax Office would be set up in Islamabad to handle the tax cases and assured the traders and the retailers that their concerns would also be addressed.

Published in Dawn, August 29th, 2020