The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) office has launched a helpline to assist taxpayers with their queries and grievances. This initiative is part of the grievance redressal mechanism of the FTO, which provides quick and free-of-cost relief to aggrieved taxpayers.
The FTO secretariat has also launched a public awareness campaign with the approval of the Government of Pakistan to build confidence among taxpayers for fulfilling their national obligation by paying due taxes in the national exchequer.
The FTO has taken several other initiatives, including the launch of the CMIS software and the communication with complainants through short code SMS service, to ease the process of lodging complaints. In this article, we will discuss the FTO helpline, the types of complaints FTO deals with, and the process of lodging online complaints through the official FTO website.
What is the FTO helpline?
The FTO helpline is a new initiative launched by the FTO office to facilitate taxpayers in Pakistan. The helpline will guide taxpayers about the types of complaints FTO deals with, and the process of lodging online complaints through the official FTO website. The helpline will operate from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm from Monday to Friday.
Types of complaints FTO deals with
The FTO deals with several types of complaints related to the tax collection process. These complaints include, but are not limited to:
- Delay in the refund of taxes
- Misclassification of goods
- Overvaluation of imported goods
- Non-issuance of tax receipts
- Non-registration of taxpayers
- Incorrect assessment of tax liabilities
- Unwarranted penalties
- Harassment by tax officials
- Inadequate infrastructure and facilities
- Inefficiency in the tax collection process
Process of lodging online complaints through the official FTO website
To lodge a complaint through the official FTO website, follow the steps below:
- Visit the official website of the FTO (http://fto.gov.pk/)
- Click on the "Online Complaint System" link on the homepage.
- Read the instructions carefully and fill in the required information in the complaint form.
- Submit the complaint form online.
- The complainant will receive a confirmation message the mobile short code 9386 with a complaint number and the date of submission.
- The FTO will investigate the complaint and provide a resolution within the stipulated time.
The launch of the FTO helpline is a welcome initiative by the FTO office to facilitate taxpayers and resolve their grievances. The FTO deals with various types of complaints related to the tax collection process and offers a speedy and free-of-cost relief mechanism.
The process of lodging online complaints through the official FTO website is simple and hassle-free. The FTO's continued efforts to improve the tax collection process will undoubtedly help Pakistan in its economic growth and development.
