ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN – In a decisive move to protect taxpayer rights and enforce efficiency, the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has issued a strict directive to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), giving the revenue authority just three days to clear a significant backlog of pending tax return extension requests. This intervention addresses widespread complaints from businesses and individual taxpayers who have faced undue delays and uncertainty due to the FBR’s inaction on their legitimate applications.
The FTO’s order comes after an investigation revealed that a substantial number of extension requests, filed by taxpayers under legitimate provisions of the law, were left pending without any communication or justification from the FBR. This administrative bottleneck created unnecessary financial anxiety for taxpayers and risked penalizing them for delays that were not of their own making. The three-day ultimatum underscores the Ombudsman’s role as a powerful watchdog for ensuring fairness and accountability in tax administration.
This directive is expected to provide immediate relief to thousands of taxpayers, including small businesses and salaried individuals, who were awaiting a decision on their extension requests. By compelling the FBR to clear the backlog, the FTO is not only resolving individual grievances but also sending a strong message about the importance of timely and efficient public service. The move is widely hailed as a significant step towards improving the ease of doing business and restoring taxpayer trust in the system.
Federal Tax Ombudsman Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah stated, “The persistent delay in disposing of extension requests is a classic case of maladministration. It creates a hostile environment for compliant taxpayers. Our directive for a 72-hour resolution is both a remedy for the affected citizens and a mandate for the FBR to streamline its internal processes. Taxpayer facilitation must be more than just a slogan; it must be reflected in timely and decisive action.”
Tax practitioners and business associations have welcomed the FTO’s firm stance, noting that such interventions are crucial for holding the tax machinery accountable. They emphasize that predictable and efficient administration is key to encouraging voluntary tax compliance. The FBR is now expected to mobilize its resources to meet this tight deadline and comply with the legally binding directive.
About the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO):
The Federal Tax Ombudsman is an independent, high-level forum established to address grievances and protect the rights of taxpayers against maladministration by the tax authorities. Its orders are binding and aimed at ensuring fairness, transparency, and justice in the tax system.
