Restructuring of FBR is on the agenda of the Govt to improve its governance, efficiency & effectiveness: Finance Ministry Spokesperson 

ISLAMABAD, Jan 06 (SABAH): The Spokesman of the Ministry of Finance on Saturday said that restructuring of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is on the agenda of the Government to improve its governance, efficiency and effectiveness.

In an official statement issued here, the spokesman stated that the restructuring of FBR is on the agenda of the Government, to improve its governance, efficiency and effectiveness. Certain proposals have been prepared in line with international best practices to rationalize and streamline the functions of the FBR, strengthen the FBR policy board, and overall governance, integrity and performance of the revenue agency based on a creative oversight structure that would enhance its accountability to the state and clients. The creation of specialized administrative structures will be accompanied by better delegation and accountability of administration. An institutional mechanism is being considered to establish a Tax Policy group with the right expertise and analytical capability to facilitate rationalization of tax regime emphasizing fairness and equity in tax regime.

He added that these proposals have been prepared by the government after months of deliberation and consultation with experts, academics, and senior leadership of FBR and its members. However, these proposals do not include any item relating to the downsizing of workforce or any outside interference in the administrative matters of Customs or Inland Revenue service by any other agency and ministry.

Reports carried by digital media on the restructuring of the Federal Board of Revenue misrepresent the objective and scope of reforms that are much needed to lift the tax/GDP ratio, while ensuring level playing in burden sharing and allowing for tax and investment facilities, the spokesman concluded.