ISLAMABAD: The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has referred a case of alleged maladministration by Inland Revenue officials to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), recommending action against officers of the Corporate Tax Office (CTO) Islamabad.
According to the FTO’s findings, CTO officers failed to submit detailed para-wise comments on a taxpayer’s complaint despite explicit instructions from the FBR. The order noted that such “casual attitude” demonstrated neglect, lack of attention, and non-compliance with the Board’s directives.
Tax lawyer Waheed Shahzad Butt said that although the FBR had directed all field formations to provide comprehensive responses in cases under FTO investigation, several offices — including CTO Islamabad — continued to file generic statements such as “the refund application is under process,” without addressing the specific issues raised. The FTO deemed this a serious dereliction of duty.
In the referral, the Ombudsman stressed that this conduct disregards both taxpayer rights and the Board’s instructions, urging the FBR to examine the lapse and take appropriate disciplinary action.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about accountability within the tax administration, particularly in handling taxpayer grievances and refund matters. Waheed added that the FTO’s firm stance is expected to reinforce the need for transparency, procedural discipline, and timely resolution of taxpayer issues across the tax machinery.
