A delegation of All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) called on Dr Muhammad Ashfaq Ahmed, Member Inland Revenue Operations of the Federal Board of Revenue and discussed in detail the issues pertaining to the release of Sales Tax refunds in seventy-two hours, removing irritants of the Annexure-H, issuance of Income Tax exemption on electricity bills, delay in Income Tax refunds and other irritants faced by export oriented industries.

APTMA delegation comprised of Mr. Raza Baqir and Mr. Shahid Sattar while the Member Inland Revenue Operations was assisted by concerned chiefs and secretaries of the Board.

Dr. Ashfaq reiterated the resolve and commitment of the government for expeditious payment of tax refunds and removal of all irritants in doing the business. He told APTMA delegation that release of refund claims has been expedited by the Board and it would be ensured that all sales tax refunds are paid within 72 hours. He said all the systematic issues relating to Annexure H would be removed within a week which will facilitate exporters in filing of refund claims. He added that Annexure-H would be simplified to facilitate the taxpayers. According to him, the trial test of the changes made in software of Annexure-H is underway and it would be implemented shortly.

He said the Board was also releasing the outstanding and deferred refund claims of the exporters on war-footing basis.

Furthermore, he urged the APTMA delegation to convey all member mills to file their Income Tax refunds at the earliest for speedy clearance.

He also said the taxpayers should lodge complaints against the harassment by the tax collectors, especially if someone is demanding bribery to clear the stuck-up refunds. He assured of immediate action against the delinquent functionaries.

APTMA delegation appreciated the efforts made by the Board for early disposal of refund claims of the export-oriented industry, saying that the member mills were satisfied with the performance of the tax machinery. The delegation further expressed the hope that the Board would start clearing refund claims within 72 hours of their filing by the exporters.

The delegation further expressed the hope the FBR would soon overcome the inherent loopholes, infirmities and snags in the system and adopt measures to remove all odds which hamper and retard the system.