Upcoming tax amnesty scheme is the last chance for tax evaders of Pakistan: Government sources
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ISLAMABAD - The upcoming tax amnesty scheme would be the last chance for tax-evaders to declare their properties and assets and avoid any legal action which would be initiated against defaulters after the scheme is closed.
The government is introducing Asset Declaration Scheme to give people a chance for final time, official sources said, however added it would not be applicable for individuals holding public offices.
The scheme was being launched after receiving suggestions from different people while the government itself was also of the view that instead of putting tax-evaders behind the bars, they should be given a chance.
However, the sources added, the scheme would be successful only when people realize that the day this opportunity ends, they would not find any place to hide their assets, adding the details of the schemed would be revealed within a couple of days. It would now be hard for tax evaders to hide their properties and assets, they said adding that the government sources of acquiring information from different countries related to unregistered assets have improved considerably.
In addition, there have been considerable improvements inside the country as laws have been enacted to go after tax evaders. The Benami Act, which was not implemented by previous government, had been notified while rules for Benami have also been prepared, notices being served and actions taken.
Likewise, the capacities and capabilities of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to go after tax invaders had improved considerably when compared to previous performances.
The government had been making structural reforms in tax collection system by promoting high growth environment to lead to extended tax collection and finally contributed to GDP growth.
The government was also introducing latest technology in FBR besides separating the tax administration and policy sides to improve performance of the board. In addition, it was simplifying the return filing system to facilitate taxpayers.
