FBR to Appoint Traders’ Representatives at 17 RTOs

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has agreed to appoint two representatives from recognised traders’ associations at each of its 17 Regional Tax Offices (RTOs) nationwide to strengthen coordination, facilitate communication, and enhance engagement between the tax administration and the business community.

According to the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association (PSGJA), the decision was reached during a meeting with senior FBR officials, including State Minister for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, where participants discussed tax-related concerns affecting the jewellery sector, regulatory compliance, and measures to improve cooperation between taxpayers and the revenue authority.

During the meeting, FBR officials assured representatives of the trading community that taxpayers complying with applicable tax laws would not face unnecessary harassment and would receive full administrative support from the department.

PSGJA President Qasim Shikarpuri urged jewellers and traders whose declared assets do not correspond with their filed income tax returns to promptly revise their returns in accordance with the applicable legal requirements. He also advised individuals who had submitted nil income tax returns to amend their filings where necessary to ensure accurate tax reporting.

He further emphasised that all eligible traders should ensure the timely payment of advance tax and remain fully compliant with statutory tax obligations. According to the association, taxpayers who have already filed accurate returns should also ensure that their tax payments reflect a 30% increase over the previous year's liability, in line with the FBR’s prescribed requirements.

Shikarpuri stressed that all tax-related matters should be managed transparently, ethically, and strictly in accordance with the applicable provisions of Pakistan’s tax laws.

He also advised traders to refrain from making any unofficial or unlawful payments to resolve tax matters and encouraged them to engage with the FBR through the association’s designated representatives to ensure proper legal compliance and procedural transparency.

The association maintained that continued dialogue and institutional cooperation between the FBR and the trading community would help address misunderstandings, strengthen taxpayer confidence, and promote a more efficient and compliant tax environment for the sarafa and jewellery sector.