A parliamentary panel on Wednesday decided to make legislation for giving tax exemption on Rs. 100 cards to those mobile users, who consume Rs. 200 or less mobile balance per month.
This was decided in the Senate Standing committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication which met with Shahi Syed in the chair here on Wednesday.
Parliamentarians expressed serious concerns over 42 percent of taxes including 19.5 percent FED, 12.5 percent WHT and 10 percent service/ maintenance charges on every Rs.100 card.
A mobile user, who recharges Rs. 100 card, is paying Rs. 35.62 in taxes. Further, the user is paying full amount even if the call drops after 10 seconds.
The committee members said that it is not feasible for a person who is even not a filer to claim withholding tax and the government should exempt such poor segment of society from taxes.
The committee decided to introduce a bill in the parliament to propose exemption of these taxes.
Briefing the committee, cellular companies’ representatives said that they are facing very high tax rates and detrimental tax regime for telecom sector as well as consumers.
“There is need for tax harmonization across provinces and federation (rates & criteria). Further harsh and incorrect tax assessment by the authorities are resulting in unnecessary litigation and delay in payment to exchequer”, said the officials of telecom companies.
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They further said that tax dispute resolution and rectification is extremely slow and ineffective.
The committee also discussed the issue regarding installation of E-services software at Capital Development Authority (CDA) by M/s LMK Resources Pakistan Ltd.
Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Deputy Director said that both sides are not serious in implementing the project. The committee directed CDA, M/s LMK Resources Pakistan Ltd and NITB to start work within two weeks and update the committee in next meeting.
Featured Image via Karandaaz
Poor non-filers? Did you know there are countless number of non-filers in property sector who do not even have NTN number and pays zero income tax.
Only Salary persons are the Prisoner of this Tax jail.
seriously WHT on 100 rs charge card? i am tax payer now how will this tax money be refunded to me
If you are an employee, show your employer tax deduction certificate that you can obtain from your mobile phone co’s service centre. Your employer will reduce tax deduction from your salary by the similar amount of tax deducted during the year by telecom operator.
Tax deduction certificate does not given to 100RS Card recharge, Only for Post-Paid Customers.
Prepaid customers can also get tax certcertifi via ecare portal, help line or by visiting business centers of operators.
Good step. The ratio of taxes should also be reduced. I mean 35 Rs straight away to the government against 100 Rs, Damn! on other hand, where that deducted money goes!?