AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Karachi, 17 Oct 2023:Atif Rehman, the Secretary of the Excise, Taxation, and Narcotics Department, Government of Sindh, has confirmed the establishment of a Helpdesk at the SITE Association of Industry. This move intends to support member industries regarding Property Tax, Professional Tax, and Motor Vehicles Tax, with the involvement of high-ranking officers. The announcement took place during his recent visit to the Association, accompanied by DG Excise and Taxation Orangzeb Akbar Panhwar and other senior department officials.
Rehman informed the attendees that the responsibility of property tax shifted to Local Government last year. He clarified that their department acts solely as a revenue collector, channeling all funds to the Sindh Government’s account. Their team will provide guidance and training related to this transition until 2024. The information was revealed in a press release from the SITE Association of Industry.
Upon inquiries about Property Tax calculations, DG Panhwar pointed members to an online property tax calculator available on their official website. He concurred with suggestions to minimize human interference for improved accuracy in this process. The President of SITE Association of Industry expressed concerns over SITE Ltd’s inadequate returns from Property Tax, which affects maintenance and upkeep efforts, urging the Secretary to address this matter at pertinent platforms.
Highlighting Infrastructure Cess, the Secretary shared that around Rs 30 billion had been amassed during the First Quarter (July-September 2023) for the Sindh Infrastructure Development Cess. In response, the SITE President emphasized allocating some of these funds to enhance the SITE area’s infrastructure.
Opening the session, SITE President Muhammad Kamran Arbi introduced the significant contributions of the SITE area in Karachi to Pakistan’s economy. He apprised the Chief Guest of the prevailing issues encountered by Association members concerning various tax payments. While acknowledging the online availability of Property Tax challans, he urged resolving technical glitches in the system and promoting transparent tax collection by reducing human interaction.
Arbi also brought up the increasing problem of drug addiction in the SITE area of Karachi, urging the Secretary to not only remove the addicts but also tackle the root by targeting the suppliers. Secretary Rehman assured prompt action to address these concerns.
Former President Jawed Bilwani accentuated the discrepancy wherein Property Tax is borne by the tenants of SITE Limited, despite SITE Limited being the rightful owner. He emphasized the importance of member awareness on E and T department-related issues and suggested conducting an Awareness Session. Additionally, he urged the Chief Guest to endorse the Association’s submissions concerning Property Tax and Infrastructure Cess, highlighting concerns of double taxation in the forms of Professional Tax and Trade License.
Vice President Muhammad Farhan Ashrafi recommended implementing an automated reminder system for tax payments. Meanwhile, Former President Abdul Hadi drew attention to the concerning shift of large industrial units into smaller units and warehouses due to unfavourable business environments, attributing to increased unemployment and resultant criminal activities.
The post Sindh Excise and Taxation Department Establishes Helpdesk at SITE for Industry Facilitation appeared first on Pakistan Business News.