Mr. Ahmed Waqar, Secretary-Revenue Division & Chairman, FBR along with Mr. Irfan Nadeem, Member (Direct Tax) visited Regional Tax Office (RTO), Karachi on September 16, 2008. On his maiden visit to the RTO, the Chairman undertook a detailed tour of the building starting with the plantation of ‘Aloe Vera’ in the front lawn. He also inspected the Automated Refund Issuance Cell which has been established at the RTO for automated issuance of Refund claims of up to Rs.50,000/-, and with the press of a button,  printed the first refund voucher for the tax year 2008. Subsequently, the Chairman was given a comprehensive presentation by Mr. Asrar Raouf, Director General, RTO, Karachi regarding the performance of the RTO and the efforts initiated for the welfare of the employees posted there.       

On this occasion, he also inaugurated the scheme of ‘Establishment of 50 Tax-Help Kiosks’ at prominent commercial centers of Karachi by unveiling Tax-Help Kiosks at Park-Towers Shopping Mall and Awami Markaz. In addition to this, he also inaugurated Two Mobile Help Tax Units which will be made available to provide on the spot assistance to organizations like schools, hospitals and private firms in filing of tax returns by their employees. The Chairman eulogized the efforts of RTO Karachi towards facilitation of taxpayers in filing of tax returns at their doorsteps. He observed that in view of encouraging response from the business community of Karachi this scheme is being extended to all the Tax offices of the country. He apprised the business community that FBR has undertaken massive reforms to create a tax friendly culture by extending maximum facilities to the Taxpayers. He expressed the hope that the increase in the number of returns will positively contribute towards broadening of tax base and enhancement of Tax to GDP ratio.