FBR Orders Immediate Reassignment of Tax Officers in Admin Pool

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has mandated the reassignment of all tax officers who have remained in the “Admin Pool” beyond 90 days, giving a strict 15-day deadline for their postings. This directive comes after a procedural review aimed at preventing prolonged inactive periods for officers.

As per the FBR’s notification, officers enter the Admin Pool under specific conditions, such as pending suitable assignments, returning from deputation, extended leave (medical or otherwise), or training that required relinquishing prior duties. Additionally, those facing fact-finding inquiries, complaints necessitating their removal, or other urgent administrative reasons may also be placed in this category.

The new policy enforces a 45-day cap for Admin Pool placement, with a possible 45-day extension under exceptional cases. A designated review committee—comprising the Member (Admin/HR) and the respective Member (Operations) for Inland Revenue and Customs—will evaluate any cases surpassing this threshold, determining either immediate reassignment or extension with recorded justification.

Once an officer crosses the 90-day mark, reassignment to an active role is mandatory. Any additional extension beyond this period will necessitate the officer’s explicit consent or lead to disciplinary action under the Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 2020. However, officers undergoing formal inquiries are exempt from the maximum placement duration.

The notification clarifies that officers within the Admin Pool will continue to receive their salaries and benefits based on their previous postings. The FBR’s directive underscores its commitment to streamlining tax administration and ensuring that no officer remains idle beyond the prescribed timeframe.