I HAVE installed solar panels with net metering. When I tried to get the relevant tax certificate through the K-Electric app, I could not have one. However, while checking our bill online, it was revealed that KE is deducting net metering withholding tax and income tax under section 153(1)(a).

The same, however, does not appear on the hard copy of the bill we receive at our residence. Is it not strange?

I emailed KE, asking it to issue a tax certificate as per law. It refused initially, but later provided it after a lengthy phase of persuasion.

This amount is adjustable in the consumer’s annual tax return against code number 64060009.

All the people who have net metering may, and should, obtain the required certificate from KE for adjustment of this amount in their annual tax returns.

The KE should issue net metering withholding tax and income tax under the relevant section also through their app in the larger interest of the public.

This should be done without the consumer having to persuade this KE staff or that. And, ideally, it should be done as soon as possible, for the last date for filing tax returns is Sept 30.

Kartar Dawani
Karachi

Published in Dawn, September 19th, 2023