ISLAMABAD, Feb 27: The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO), Justice (retired) Saleem Akhtar, has asked the Central Board of Revenue (CBR) to refund the tax paid by a complainant which was withheld in violation of law.

The decision was taken on the complaint of a Lahore-based company, Crescent Art Fabrics, which complained against the customs officials for non-payment of the refund.

The justice in his decision recommended to the CBR to decide the refund case on merit in accordance with the provisions of law after providing the complainant the opportunity of furnishing evidence of lower value in support of its contention and giving it the opportunity of being heard.

The FTO asked the CBR to investigate and eliminate causes leading to loss of active files to streamline the procedure for their proper maintenance so as to avoid any loss and damage to case files and inconvenience to the dealing public.