RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: Taxpayers are facing immense difficulties as all three Regional Tax Offices (RTOs) in Karachi have refused issuing exemption certificates for tax year 2017, following jurisdictional changes to be effective from August 1, 2016.

The issue was raised by the Karachi Tax Bar Association (KTBA) in a letter sent to all chief commissioners of all three tax offices.

According to the letter, taxpayers are facing serious difficulties in obtaining exemption certificates for tax year 2017, ending on June 30, 2017.

The letter further stated that these tax departments were either not issuing the certificates or delaying the exemption certificates with the rationale of its jurisdictional changes, which would be effective from August 1, 2016. The letter termed the said action as unjustified, saying that this was not a valid reason for not issuing the certificates because they could use the powers till July 31, 2016. The letter also urged the tax authorities to look into the matter and take appropriate measures to facilitate the taxpayers at maximum.