National Board of Revenue (NBR) should now focus its attention in setting up its own neutral tribunals, which is closely related to the tax collection system.
Muhammad Zahangir Alam, who was representing Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd, one of the tax card recipient companies for the fiscal year 2013-14, floated the idea while talking to the Dhaka Tribune yesterday.
His company secured ninth position among the highest taxpaying companies under national level category. The company is one, out of two local companies, who were awarded with the tax card for their outstanding contribution to the government exchequer.
As asked to explain how to bring more people under tax net and help the taxpayers getting hassle-free services, Zahangir Alam, general manager (accounts and finance of Square Pharmaceuticals) reminded that the former NBR members used to become the members of the tribunals to conduct the tax-related judicial works, an important part of the tax judiciary, for ensuring impartiality in tax collection system.
“As the tribunals don’t have the officials from outside, who were supposed to play the key role, there are problems in tax judiciary. The tribunals should be neutral, but if the former NBR officials are appointed there, how can we expect the neutrality from them?”
He also suggested the board to appoint former justices, or cost accountants to ensure neutrality in the tax-justice delivery system.
The award winning company official also said his company is paying tax regularly as if it is sharing the profits.
“We are paying tax in line with the law and for distribution of profit to government,” said Zahangir.