Multan, December 12: Paying taxes is a fundamental civic responsibility, one that directly contributes to the nation’s economic development. Tax payments play a crucial role in addressing the country’s current economic challenges and ensuring sustainable progress. By fulfilling our tax obligations, we actively participate in the development of the nation, providing essential resources for public services such as health, education, and infrastructure.
In an exclusive interview with Customs Today, Additional Commissioner Inland Revenue at the Regional Tax Office (RTO) Multan Headquarters Bilal Ahmad, emphasized the challenges the office faces in tax collection and the ongoing efforts to overcome them. He highlighted that, in line with government policies, RTO Multan is committed to streamlining the tax collection process to ensure maximum compliance. The office has worked tirelessly to promote awareness and encourage taxpayers to file their tax returns, as part of ongoing efforts to improve tax revenue and strengthen the national economy.
He further stated that the writ of any government is directly proportional to its ability to levy and collect taxes from its citizens. Keeping this in mind, the importance of taxation cannot be undermined. The Inland Revenue Service (IRS) has been tasked with ensuring the proper collection of federal taxes such as income tax, sales tax, and federal excise duty (FED), a responsibility that RTO Multan is actively fulfilling.
Bilal Ahmad acknowledged that collecting taxes in a developing country like Pakistan is a major challenge but assured that the team is fully dedicated to meeting it with unwavering determination. He explained that RTO Multan has adopted a modern approach, incorporating advanced automated systems and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance transparency and minimize corruption in the tax collection process. This approach ensures that the system operates independently without any external influence, fostering a more reliable and efficient mechanism for revenue generation.
In the past five months, RTO Multan has exceeded expectations by collecting 40% more tax revenue compared to the same period last year. Last fiscal year, the office collected over 65 billion rupees in tax revenue, and this year, further increases are anticipated. This success can be attributed to the team’s dedication and strict adherence to government guidelines.
The office has also made significant strides in expanding the tax base. Over 600,000 non-corporate taxpayers have been registered in line with government directives, a remarkable achievement that highlights RTO Multan’s commitment to boosting tax compliance. As one of the most important tax collection offices in the country, RTO Multan plays a pivotal role in ensuring that revenue targets are met through effective enforcement and modernization of tax collection practices.
RTO Multan’s efforts to modernize the tax collection system have made a significant impact on the national economy. The office has integrated automated and AI-driven systems, which have not only enhanced the efficiency of tax collection but also reduced the scope for any form of manipulation or corruption from any employee of FBR. This innovative approach is aligned with the government’s vision of creating a transparent and accountable tax system.
Furthermore, Bilal Hussain emphasized the importance of ensuring that taxpayers’ legal rights are protected throughout the tax collection process. The office remains committed to encouraging voluntary compliance without resorting to harassment, ensuring that taxpayers are treated with respect while fulfilling their civic duties.
As a vital component of Pakistan’s tax system, RTO Multan has made remarkable strides in improving tax revenue collection, contributing to the country’s financial health. The office’s efforts to educate taxpayers and encourage them to fulfill their obligations have paid off, with increased compliance and revenue generation.
We urge all citizens to contribute their share of taxes for the development of the country, as this is key to resolving public issues and improving national infrastructure. Tax payments are not just a legal obligation but a powerful tool for nation-building. With the continued efforts of the Regional Tax Office Multan, Pakistan is poised to achieve even greater progress in the future.
RTO Multan remains a pillar of Pakistan’s tax collection system, and it will continue to work diligently to ensure that the country’s economic and developmental goals are met, fostering a brighter future for all.