The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has rolled out a single sales tax return system for the telecom sector, effective for the tax period of January 2024. Telcos, including M/S CMPak Limited, M/S Pakistan Mobile Communications Limited, M/S Pak Telecom Mobile Limited, M/S Telenor Pakistan (Pvt.) Limited, and M/S Pakistan Telecommunication Company, will file their returns through the newly launched Single Sales Tax Portal/Return in February 2024.
In a bid to facilitate taxpayers, enhance ease of doing business, and reduce compliance costs, FBR initiated this streamlined approach. The new system aims to simplify the sales tax return filing process, providing a centralized platform for accessing tax information and fostering better compliance and communication between taxpayers and tax authorities.
Key Features of the Unified System
- Time and Effort Savings: Telcos can now file a single sales tax return instead of separate returns to FBR and Provincial Sales Tax Authorities, saving time and effort.
- Minimized Errors: The system addresses data and calculation errors by streamlining processes and reducing duplication.
- Input Tax Adjustments: The system allows for the apportioning of input tax adjustments and tax payments across sales tax authorities, eliminating the need for reconciliations and payment transfers.
FBR emphasizes that this unified system promotes harmonization of tax procedures across Federal and Provincial Government Revenue Authorities, contributing to national unity. While initially launched for the telecommunications sector, the system is a step towards a more unified and efficient tax process for various industries.
In preparation for the upcoming filing period in February 2024, the uploading of sales tax invoices for January 2024 has been enabled on the new platform. It is a significant move towards modernizing tax procedures, fostering efficiency, and creating a more unified taxation landscape.