A competency assessment of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) officers has revealed serious gaps in their ability to handle sales tax and income tax cases independently. The results show that only 29 officers demonstrated the required skills to issue legally sound tax orders.
The assessment took place on the instructions of the FBR chairman. It covered Inland Revenue officers in Grade 17 and above.
Test Reveals Weak Performance
According to the assessment report, 150 sales tax officers and 143 income tax officers took part in the examination. However, only 15 sales tax officers demonstrated the ability to independently decide cases. Similarly, just 14 income tax officers met the required standard.
The average scores also highlighted weak performance across both categories. Sales tax officers secured an average of 26.4 per cent, while income tax officers scored 33.3 per cent.
Moreover, no sales tax officer achieved 60 per cent marks. In the income tax category, only four officers reached or exceeded that score.
The report also found that 47 sales tax officers and 16 income tax officers scored below 20 per cent. These results point to significant gaps in their understanding of tax laws and legal procedures.
Concerns Over Legal Review
The examination also assessed officers’ ability to prepare legal notices, review tax cases and identify errors in assessment orders.
Although around half of the officers could prepare draft orders, their work still required scrutiny by senior officials. Meanwhile, only 21 sales tax officers and 28 income tax officers showed the ability to review orders effectively.
Furthermore, just eight officers across both categories could identify legal shortcomings in decisions prepared by their colleagues.
Senior Officers Also Show Weaknesses
The assessment raised concerns about senior officials responsible for supervising tax decisions. Among 56 sales tax commissioners and additional commissioners, only four demonstrated effective legal review skills.
Similarly, just six of the 53 assessed income tax commissioners and additional commissioners met that standard.
Overall, the findings highlight the need to strengthen professional training and legal oversight within the FBR. They also raise questions about the department’s ability to ensure accurate and legally sound tax decisions.
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