LCCI urges business-friendly reforms to broaden tax base

LAHORE: In a meeting with the Chief Commissioner of Inland Revenue, LCCI President Ali Hussam Asghar has advocated for tax-friendly policies to expand Pakistan’s tax base, boost voluntary compliance, and improve the tax-to-GDP ratio without overburdening current taxpayers. The proposals presented to Chief Commissioner Inland Revenue, Fizza Batool, aim to address tax challenges and improve cooperation between tax authorities and the business community.

Asghar stressed the importance of simplifying registration, return filing, and documentation, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), while enhancing digital services and resolving technical issues promptly. He argued for consistent tax policies, clearer law interpretations, and effective complaint-resolution systems to boost taxpayer confidence.

Asghar proposed regular meetings between the Regional Tax Office and LCCI, along with joint awareness programs, to help traders and entrepreneurs understand their tax obligations. He emphasized the need to differentiate between genuine procedural mistakes and deliberate non-compliance, allowing for corrections where permitted by law.

Chief Commissioner Fizza Batool acknowledged the LCCI president's suggestions and expressed hope for stronger collaboration between the Federal Board of Revenue and business representative bodies to foster transparent taxation and sustainable economic growth.