Only 29 of 293 FBR tax officers clear competency test

Only 29 of 293 Inland Revenue officers can independently issue legally valid tax orders, according to a surprise competency assessment ordered by the Federal Board of Revenue chairman, which found gaps in the professional and legal capability of the officers who handle sales tax and income tax cases.

The assessment covered 150 sales tax officers and 143 income tax officers, all of Grade 17 or above. Fifteen sales tax officers and 14 income tax officers were found able to prepare and issue orders that meet legal requirements without supervision.

Average scores were 26.4 per cent in sales tax and 33.3 per cent in income tax. No sales tax officer reached 60 per cent. Four income tax officers did. Forty-seven sales tax officers and 16 income tax officers scored below 20 per cent.

The report also measured the ability to scrutinise orders drafted by other officers. It found 21 sales tax officers and 28 income tax officers capable of an effective legal review. Only eight officers across both categories were judged able to review a colleague's order and identify its legal shortcomings.

Senior officers did no better on that count. Of 56 sales tax commissioners and additional commissioners assessed, four could effectively scrutinise a tax order. Six of the 53 income tax commissioners and additional commissioners could do the same.

The test covered the review of case files, the issuing of legal notices, the preparation of assessment orders and the spotting of legal errors in decisions drafted by other officers.

About half of those examined could prepare a draft order, the report said, but their work needed scrutiny by senior officials.

The report concluded that the FBR faces a serious shortage of officers able to issue orders that satisfy legal requirements.

ProPakistani reported that the surprise tests have come under fire after the report.