FTO Achieves Record Performance: Decides Rs 17,742.16 Million Refund Claims

The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has achieved significant milestones in addressing taxpayers’ grievances, processing 8,963 cases with an impressive implementation rate of 94.07% during 2023. This marks a notable improvement from the previous year’s 73.29% implementation rate.

Highlighting these accomplishments, Federal Tax Ombudsman Mr. Asif Mahmood Jah met with President Dr. Arif Alvi at Aiwan-e-Sadr, where he presented FTO’s Annual Report 2023.

During the meeting, Mr. Jah briefed President Alvi on FTO’s overall performance and key initiatives aimed at facilitating taxpayers and promptly addressing their complaints against tax officials’ maladministration.

Efforts to enhance outreach included awareness campaigns and the establishment of regional offices across the country. Additionally, Honorary Advisors were appointed abroad to assist overseas Pakistanis in countries such as the USA, Canada, Sweden, UAE, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. Leading businessmen from various Chambers of Commerce and Industries were also appointed as Honorary Advisors to support the business community.

To expedite responses to tax authorities’ maladministration, FTO developed a mobile app allowing complainants to lodge grievances and track their status using mobile devices.

Mr. Jah emphasized that FTO conducted informative training sessions to enhance the professional skills and expertise of Ombudsman institutions nationwide.

President Alvi commended FTO’s exceptional performance in processing a record number of cases and providing refunds totaling Rs. 17,742.16 million to taxpayers. He stressed the need to further strengthen the institution, leveraging the latest technology for seamless service delivery and timely resolution of complaints to enhance the country’s tax regime and promote good governance.