Identifying rich tax evaders

While commending the NBR's decision to home in on the many dodging taxpayers, we cannot fail to see that the issue is more complicated than mere identification of the evaders. There is a general impression that unless a section of tax officials played a part in the unholy business of tax evasion, the latter wouldn't have happened, not at least on a scale being currently witnessed. It is alleged that tax officials cut deals with dishonest people in the high income bracket thereby nullifying the force of rules and regulations of the revenue department. Now, the nexus between the evaders and taxmen must not only be discovered, but also demolished for the sake of enhancing the efficiency of the tax administration and raising the collection levels.

The decision-makers should not also be oblivious of the allegations often brought by honest taxpayers that they face harassment while submitting returns and paying taxes. The procedural complications arising out of the tax officials seeking out this or that paper or statement can indeed be a disincentive for conscientious taxpayers. There is no doubt that the credibility of the tax department is at a low ebb and it needs raising for any marked improvement in the revenue collection figures.

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