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Tax Officers Blame Revenue Shortfall on FBR’s Poor Policies - Printable Version

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Tax Officers Blame Revenue Shortfall on FBR’s Poor Policies - TaxationPk - 12-02-2024

Tax Officers Blame Revenue Shortfall on FBR’s Poor Policies

The Inland Revenue Service Officers’ Association (IRSOA) has attributed the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) failure to meet its revenue targets to flawed policies and mismanagement by the current FBR administration. In a strongly worded letter, the association criticized the “myopic and parochial policy framework” of the administration, stating that it has caused widespread discontent among officers and disrupted revenue collection efforts.

Transformation Plan Under Fire


The IRSOA highlighted the so-called “Transformation Plan” as a primary source of discontent. While presented as a homegrown reform initiative, the plan has neither sought input from officers nor gained their approval, according to the association. Despite being heavily publicized, it remains largely unimplemented, further eroding confidence in the FBR’s leadership.

Concerns of Junior Officers


An in-house survey conducted by IRSOA revealed troubling conditions faced by junior field officers:

  • Low Salaries: IRS officers reportedly receive the lowest salaries among federal government departments.
  • Lack of Facilities: Officers often work without essential benefits such as transport, fuel allowances, or residential facilities.
  • Transfers Without Support: Recent large-scale postings to remote areas, coupled with allegations of corruption based on subjective criteria, have exacerbated dissatisfaction.

These challenges have left junior officers demoralized and questioning the administration’s commitment to their welfare.

Delays in Promotions


The association also expressed frustration over delays in departmental promotions from BS-18 to BS-19. Despite repeated calls for action, the FBR has failed to hold promotion boards, leaving many officers feeling undervalued and stuck in career stagnation.

Revenue Shortfalls


The letter pointed out that the same workforce had consistently met revenue targets in the past. However, it blamed the current administration’s inexperience and misguided policies for a massive revenue shortfall of Rs. 356 billion in just the first five months of the financial year.

IRSOA asserted that this shortfall reflects a clear deviation in revenue collection efforts, which is compounded by a lack of support and resources for field officers.

Commitment to Reform


While voicing its grievances, IRSOA reaffirmed its commitment to Pakistan’s economic growth and independence. The association stressed that achieving these goals requires addressing the real obstacles hindering effective governance and revenue collection.




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