Raza Kazmi
ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has released the provisional revenue collection figures for the first seven months of current year. According to the provisional information, FBR has collected net revenue of Rs.2570 billion during Jul-Jan period, which has significantly exceeded the target of Rs.2550 billion. This represents a growth of about 6.4% over the collection of Rs.2416 billion during the same period last year.
The net collection for the month of January was Rs.364 billion against a target of Rs.340 billion, representing an increase of 12.3% over last January and 107% of the target. This is the first double-digit monthly growth during the fiscal year.
On the other hand, the gross collections increased from Rs.2464 billion to Rs.2699 billion, showing an increase of nearly 10%. The amount of refunds was Rs.129 billion compared to Rs.69 billion paid last year, showing an increase of 87%. This is reflective of FBR’s resolve to fast-track refunds to prevent liquidity issues of the industry.
The improved revenue performance is a reflection of growing economic activities in the country despite facing the challenge of second wave of COVID-19. Going forward, it is expected that this revenue performance would be further strengthened as economic recovery gains more momentum.
FBR is expending serious efforts to broaden the tax base in the country. Early signs suggest such efforts are bearing fruits. As on 30-1-2021, income tax returns filed numbered 2.52 million compared to 2.31 million last year, showing an increase of 9%. The tax deposited with returns was Rs.48.3 billion compared to only Rs.29.6 billion, showing an increase of 63%.
Besides, FBR has issued notices to nearly 1.4 million taxpayers, who were supposed to file return, or filed nil return, or mis-declared their assets to comply with their legal obligations. The exercise is eliciting encouraging response. However, those who are not complying would be pursued diligently until compliance is achieved.
Meanwhile, in continuation of Pakistan Customs drive against smuggled items, Collectorate of Preventive Customs, Karachi has carried out a major operation on coastal belt near Dam/Somiani and seized a full loaded boat with smuggled liquor. The strike boat of customs intercepted smugglers when they were unloading the smuggled liquor. 1500 to 2000 bags of smuggled bottles are caught. Detailed inventory of smuggled item is being prepared.
In another operation, Customs staff posted at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi has continued crackdown on illegal movement of narcotics and contraband goods. Consistent efforts resulted in seizure of 940 grams of Narcotics (Pure Cocaine) which was recovered from a passenger arriving from an African Country via Qatar. Total value of narcotics seized is expected to be Rs. 15 million. Criminal investigations are under process resulting in FIR against one individual under arrest.
TLTP adds: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued around 1.4 million notices to non-filers of income tax returns and those who concealed income in their declaration.
According to a statement, the FBR issued notices to nearly 1.4 million taxpayers, who were supposed to file return, or filed nil return, or misdeclared their assets to comply with their legal obligations.
The FBR is expanding serious efforts to broaden the tax base in the country. Early signs suggest such efforts are bearing fruits. As on January 30, 2021, income tax returns filed numbered 2.52 million for tax year 2020 as compared with 2.31 million last year, showing an increase of 9 percent.
The tax deposited with returns was Rs48.3 billion compared to only Rs.29.6 billion, showing an increase of 63 percent. The exercise is eliciting encouraging response. However, those who are not complying would be pursued diligently until compliance is achieved.