ICCI, RTO Islamabad to launch joint facilitation drive for taxpayer

ISLAMABAD, Aug 06 (APP): President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Sardar Tahir Mehmood,l Thursday called on Chief Commissioner, Regional Tax Office (RTO) Islamabad, Ms. Yasmin Fatima, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation between the tax administration and the business community.

The initiative is aiming at to promote voluntary tax compliance, improve taxpayer facilitation, and support a transparent and business-friendly economic environment.

The meeting was attended by Commissioners of all Zones, the Additional Commissioner (Headquarters), the Staff Officer to the Chief Commissioner, and other senior officers of RTO Islamabad.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on a wide range of issues aimed at making tax compliance easier and more accessible for businesses.

Both sides agreed to establish dedicated Facilitation Desks at the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry for Income Tax Return 2026 filing and to facilitate small traders under SRO 1166(I)/2026 as well as National Tax Numbers. It was also agreed that awareness sessions would be jointly organized at ICCI and at major business centres to educate traders on the new tax measures and simplify the registration process.

The participants also reviewed sectoral monitoring of the real estate and services sectors in Islamabad, implementation of POS integration under SRO 428(I)/2024, the Faceless Audit Initiative, timely resolution of taxpayer grievances, and practical measures to broaden the tax base while ensuring transparency and ease of doing business.

Chief Commissioner Ms. Yasmin Fatima reiterated RTO Islamabad’s commitment to providing a transparent, efficient and taxpayer-friendly tax administration.

She said RTO Islamabad believes in facilitation before enforcement and will continue working closely with ICCI to simplify tax procedures, improve taxpayer services and promote voluntary compliance.

She added that all compliant taxpayers would be provided every possible facilitation and support.

Speaking on the occasion, Sardar Tahir Mehmood appreciated the visionary and proactive approach of Chief Commissioner Ms. Yasmin Fatima and her team for maintaining close engagement with the business community and introducing initiatives that would make tax compliance more convenient for taxpayers.

He observed that the establishment of Facilitation Desks at ICCI, organization of awareness sessions and awarding shields to large tax payers would significantly assist traders, particularly small businesses, in understanding their obligations and filing returns with confidence.

The ICCI President further emphasized that regular consultation between the Federal Board of Revenue and representative trade bodies is essential for addressing genuine business concerns, strengthening confidence in the tax system and encouraging greater documentation of the economy.

He reaffirmed ICCI’s commitment to serving as a bridge between the business community and tax authorities in pursuit of sustainable economic growth.