By: Adnan Hameed
TWA
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In a commendable feat, the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has demonstrated a significant advancement in taxpayer service, addressing the grievances of 8,963 cases with an impressive implementation status of 94.07% during the year 2023, compared to 73.29% in the previous year.
Highlighting these accomplishments, Mr. Asif Mahmood Jah, the Federal Tax Ombudsman, met with President Dr. Arif Alvi to present FTO’s Annual Report for the year 2023. The report outlined the successful resolution of refund claims totaling Rs. 17,742.16 million, showcasing the institution’s commitment to facilitating taxpayers.
Mr. Jah briefed the President on FTO’s comprehensive efforts to enhance outreach, including awareness campaigns and the establishment of regional offices across the country. Additionally, the appointment of Honorary Advisors abroad, catering to overseas Pakistanis in the USA, Canada, Sweden, UAE, Hong Kong, and the Philippines, was emphasized. The inclusion of leading businessmen as Honorary Advisors from various Chambers of Commerce and Industries aimed at facilitating the business community.
To ensure a prompt response to maladministration issues, Mr. Jah highlighted the development of a mobile App, allowing complainants to lodge and track complaints using mobile devices. He also mentioned informative training sessions conducted to enhance the professional skills of Ombudsman institutions in the country.
Expressing appreciation for FTO’s outstanding performance, President Dr. Arif Alvi lauded the institution for processing a record number of cases and issuing refunds to taxpayers. He emphasized the need to strengthen FTO further, leveraging the latest technology for seamless service delivery and timely disposal of taxpayers’ complaints to enhance the country’s tax regime.
The President acknowledged FTO’s role in promoting good governance and providing free-of-cost, prompt justice to aggrieved taxpayers. The Federal Tax Ombudsman, as a quasi-judicial forum, is mandated to diagnose, investigate, redress, and rectify any injustice or maladministration caused by functionaries administering federal tax laws. The institution continues to strive towards enhancing overall taxpayer satisfaction and strengthening trust in the system.
