By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE– President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ali Hussam Asghar has said that best possible facilitation for the business community would encourage more people to join the tax net and help improve Pakistan’s much-needed tax-to-GDP ratio.
While talking to Chief Commissioner Inland Revenue, Regional Tax Office (RTO) Lahore, Fizza Batool, LCCI President presented practical suggestions for addressing tax-related challenges, facilitating business community improving coordination between tax authorities and the business sector. He said that a fair, transparent and business-friendly taxation system was essential for broadening the tax base, promoting voluntary compliance and strengthening national revenue generation.
Ali Hussam Asghar said that the focus should be on bringing more businesses into the documented economy through facilitation, awareness and simplified procedures rather than creating unnecessary difficulties for existing taxpayers. He said that when businesses are provided with clear guidelines, accessible taxpayer services and predictable tax policies, they are more likely to fulfil their tax obligations and operate within the formal economy.
He added that broadening the tax net was vital for improving the tax-to-GDP ratio and reducing the burden on businesses and individuals already contributing to national revenue. A wider tax base, supported by effective administration and equitable enforcement, could help improve revenue collection without placing excessive pressure on compliant taxpayers.
The LCCI President proposed simplifying tax registration, return filing and documentation requirements, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). He said that unnecessary procedural complexities often consume valuable time and resources, making it difficult for smaller businesses to comply with taxation requirements. Simplified processes and accessible guidance would help such businesses become part of the formal tax system.
He also underscored the need to promote digital facilitation through user-friendly online systems, efficient electronic filing, timely processing of applications and prompt resolution of technical issues. Improved digital services could reduce repeated visits to tax offices, minimize paperwork and make compliance easier for traders and entrepreneurs.
Ali Hussam Asghar said that frequent changes in tax policies and complicated interpretations of taxation rules could create uncertainty for businesses. He called for greater clarity, consistency and timely communication regarding tax laws, notifications and procedural requirements so that businesses could plan their operations and investments with confidence.
He further proposed regular consultative meetings between the Regional Tax Office Lahore and the LCCI to identify emerging issues, discuss difficulties and develop mutually acceptable solutions. He said that such structured engagement would help bridge the gap between tax authorities and taxpayers while ensuring that policy implementation takes into account the realities of the business environment.
The LCCI President also highlighted the importance of a transparent and fair tax administration system. He said that taxpayers should receive clear explanations of their obligations, have access to effective complaint-resolution mechanisms and be treated consistently under the applicable law. Timely resolution of genuine disputes and grievances could improve taxpayer confidence and encourage voluntary compliance.
He suggested strengthening taxpayer education and awareness programs in collaboration with the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, particularly for small traders, new entrepreneurs and businesses seeking to enter the documented economy. Workshops, guidance sessions and simplified informational material could help businesses understand registration requirements, filing procedures and their legal responsibilities.
The LCCI President also underscored the need for a balanced approach to tax enforcement, with a clear distinction between deliberate non-compliance and genuine procedural mistakes. He said that effective guidance and opportunities to rectify inadvertent errors, wherever permissible under the law, could help improve compliance while allowing enforcement resources to focus on serious violations.
He further stressed that tax policies should support business growth, investment, industrial expansion and employment generation. A predictable and facilitative taxation environment would enable businesses to expand their operations, improve productivity and contribute more effectively to the national economy.
“The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry is committed to raise the concerns of the business community and proposing workable solutions to taxation-related challenges” Ali Hussam Asghar said and added that sustained cooperation between the FBR, its field formations and business representative bodies was essential for developing a broader, more equitable and sustainable revenue base.
Chief Commissioner Inland Revenue, RTO Lahore, Fizza Batool, appreciated the suggestions presented by the LCCI President. The LCCI President expressed hope that constructive dialogue and coordinated efforts would contribute to a more transparent, efficient and business-friendly taxation system, supporting both improved revenue collection and sustainable economic growth.
