Mohsin Siddiqui (Chief Reporter)
The Pakistan Tax Bar Association (PTBA) recommends the implementation of an online jurisdiction transfer system within the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) IRIS portal. This suggestion arises amidst persisting challenges stemming from inaccurate tax jurisdiction assignments, which pose hurdles for taxpayers.
In correspondence addressed to the FBR chairman, the PTBA acknowledges prior efforts by the FBR to rectify erroneous jurisdiction allocations for entities such as builders, contractors, and registered companies in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. However, the association emphasizes the necessity for a swifter and more user-friendly jurisdiction transfer process.
“We advocate for the enhancement of the Jurisdiction Tab within the IRIS portal, facilitating online submission of transfer applications along with comprehensive details and justifications,” states the PTBA.
The proposed online mechanism would enable taxpayers to digitally lodge jurisdiction transfer requests alongside supporting documentation. Upon submission, Chief Commissioners of both the current and intended tax jurisdictions would have a 15-day window to evaluate and approve the transfer request.
In the event of inaction within this timeframe, the application would automatically escalate to the Member Operations of the FBR for a final decision within another 15 days.
Highlighting the significance of accurate tax jurisdiction assignment as a fundamental right of taxpayers under Article 10A of the Constitution, the PTBA emphasizes that any proceedings conducted without proper jurisdiction would be deemed null and void.
According to the PTBA, an automated and transparent jurisdiction transfer process would alleviate challenges for compliant taxpayers, diminish litigation, and enhance operational efficiency in alignment with FBR directives.
The tax advocacy group urges the FBR to promptly integrate the “Jurisdiction Tab” on the IRIS portal, citing potential benefits such as improved taxpayer experience, prevention of revenue loss, and fulfillment of the FBR’s duty to facilitate taxpayers.
