Summary The FBR says it would hold an inquiry against the disclosure of information about tax returns.
ISLAMABAD:-The Federal Board of Revenue has announced to hold an inquiry against parliamentarian and the media persons.
Chairman FBR Ali Arshad Hakeem made these remarks during the meeting of Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue on Wednesday headed by Senator Ms Nasreen Jalil.
Chairman FBR informed the committee that to investigate unauthorized disclosure of information to the press a fact finding enquiry committee would be constituted by FBR and further action shall be taken on receipt of the report of the enquiry committee. He said the report of this inquiry would be presented before the Senate Standing Committee on Finance within two weeks.
He informed that all particulars contained in a return of income or the annexed documents on accounts furnished by a taxpayer to FBR are confidential and no public servant can disclose any such particular under sub-section (1) of section 216 of the income Tax Ordinance, 2001.
He appraised that anyone who discloses any particulars in contravention of section 216 is guilty of an offence under section 198 punishable on conviction with fine or and imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months.
”FBR has requisitioned reports from all field offices regarding unauthorized disclosure of information relating to tax returns filed by the parliamentarian and all offices have categorically denied having furnished any such information to press,” Ali Arshad Hakeem said, adding that it is therefore vehemently denied that the FBR did not disclose any classified information of tax return of Parliamentarians to the press.
He said 95 per cent issues of National Assembly, Provincial Assemblies and senate are pertaining to procedural issues and advisory council would be set up to resolve those issues.
The FBR Chairman said disclosure of information of tax returns to the press should be taken as an opportunity as it will help tax authority to improve its enforcement wing.
During the meeting Senator Kamil Ali Aagha alleged that officials of FBR are involved in disclosure of information relating to tax returns of parliamentarians and blamed that a conspiracy is being hatched against parliamentarians.
