By Abdul Rafay
KARACHI: President Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, while vehemently condemning reinstatement of the requirement to file an affidavit with sales tax returns, demanded that the authorities must suspend the affidavit requirement immediately until comprehensive consultations are conducted and effective alternative measures are established.
President KCCI stated that in response to KCCI’s request, FBR rightly withdrew this burdensome requirement for September 2024 and the same was notified through a press release wherein it was categorically mentioned that a) The filing of an affidavit will not be needed for returns for the tax period of September 2024, which are due in October 2024 b) The FBR will actively solicit alternative proposals from stakeholders until October 31 to address the serious issue of falsified sales tax returns c) The Board will consider modifying the affidavit requirements in light of legitimate stakeholder concerns.
“No consultations with stakeholders regarding this matter have occurred, nor have any viable alternative solutions been explored”, Bilwani said, adding that the business community was already grappling with immense pressures, and this ill-conceived requirement only serves to exacerbate their challenges, contributing to unnecessary hassles and an environment of intimidation. He was of the view that the obligation to file this affidavit was fraught with significant challenges.
