The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) will refund any excess custom duty and taxes charged on mobile phones due to a glitch in their system.
According to a statement released by FBR, the issue will be resolved today (Saturday) after making necessary changes to the WeBOC system.
“Due to this glitch in the system, all those who paid more duty would be refunded the excess amount forthwith. FBR regrets the inconvenience caused to those who had to pay excess duty and taxes,” the statement said.
“Recently, in a meeting with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, it transpired that passengers can register up to five mobile phones on their passports and in case of high end phones of more than US$500, the difference of duty/taxes between passport and CNIC registration is about Rs. 9,000/-.
“Accordingly, in order to correct this anomaly and to limit the registration of mobile phone against passport up to one set, the WeBOC module was modified through CRF (change request form). However, during the process, the exemption of withholding tax was also deleted and thus now the system was showing total taxes on passport as Rs 36,720/-.” it added.
Furthermore, the FBR confirmed that all those who paid excess custom duty or taxes on their mobile phones will be refunded the amount.
Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) has also issued a press release in this regard:
Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued a clarification regarding excess charging of customs duties and taxes on mobile phones.
— PTA (@PTAofficialpk) May 21, 2021
Due to a technical error, the system was showing total taxes on passport as Rs 36,720/-.The issue will be resolved soon. For further information, please contact FBR.
— PTA (@PTAofficialpk) May 21, 2021
Read more: PTA introduces measures to block unwanted calls and SMS.
Follow INCPAK on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram for updates.