Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has welcomed the simplification of tax returns and their availability in Urdu and directed to establish a helpline aimed at assisting the filing process, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Chairing a meeting to review progress on FBR reforms in Islamabad on Monday, Shehbaz Sharif also instructed to launch a digital invoicing in Urdu. He said tax reforms should focus on facilitating the common citizen.
The Prime Minister emphasized a third-party validation to ensure transparency in all FBR reforms. He said tax returns have been made digital, concise, and linked with a central database for public convenience. He said the salaried class will benefit the most from the new simplified tax returns. He advised to run a public awareness campaign to encourage more people to file returns under the new system.
Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged that the positive outcomes of tax reforms are the result of tireless efforts by the Finance Minister, economic team, FBR Chairman, and their staff.
He said increasing the tax base and reducing the burden on the poor are top government priorities. He noted that for the first time in country's history, implementation of AI-based tax assessment system is a major success for which FBR's efforts are commendable.
The Prime Minister directed to provide special facilities to small and medium-sized businesses to join the digital invoicing system.
Reporter Awais Kiyani