20000302

Concern at appellate structure of Revenue Dept

Recorder Report

LAHORE: Tax Culture Society has expressed its concern over the appellate structure of the Revenue Department and contended that it has failed to curb administrative excesses and impart justice.

In a joint statement the office-bearers of the society former President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry Pervez Hanif, former President of the Lahore Stock Exchange Mirza Sher Dil, Advocate Mahmood Mirza, and others said that establishing an independent appellate structure and system of accountability of the department functionaries will restore the confidence of the taxpayers and help improve tax collection.

They said that the government, before imposing GST at the retail stage and introducing an amnesty system, must ensure that compulsory declaration of wealth, income and bank accounts should be made part and parcel of the proposed amnesty scheme.

They said that the government must undertake nation-wide survey to record investment in real estate, other assets and luxury spending.

They said that the tax system should be designed to ensure the growth of indigenous industry.