New Autonomous Tax Agency Proposed to Replace FBR

The proposed National Tax Authority (NTA) – an automated tax agency would end corruption and maladministration within the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). The Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue received a comprehensive briefing from the Karakoram Initiative on Wednesday on the concept of a “National Tax Authority.” The committee chairman and its members highly appreciated the presentation of Haroon Khawaja and Dr. Ikramul Haq. A comprehensive presentation was given to the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue providing solutions for enhancing tax to GDP to 18 percent at the federal level alone through administrative reforms centered around the National Tax Authority (NTA), an autonomous and automated tax agency to act as a service provider. The presentation prepared jointly by Haroon Khawaja and Dr. Ikramul Haq analyzed the historical failure of the Federal Board of Revenue(FBR) and how to replace it with a modern people-friendly agency not only to raise revenues but also to disburse social payments. The structural base of the NTA  comprises financial autonomy and powers to hire and fire as available to the State Bank of Pakistan. The appointment of the Chairman of NTA and its board members will be under parliamentary oversight through an open public hearing.