The Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) Large Taxpayers Unit of Karachi has frozen all banks accounts of Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC) to recover taxes amounting to Rs. 26 billion.

According to official statement, the tax authority has attached various bank accounts of Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC) for the non-payment of General Sales Taxes (GST) which was paid by its customers in their monthly bills along with utility charges.

The default General Sales Tax (GST) has been confirmed by the Appellate Commissioner (Appeal), the statement further stated. However, the FBR’s action recovered only a limited tax recovery, which is hardly Rs. 312 million.

Sui Southern Gas Company Limited‘s Response

Sui Southern Gas Company Limited‘s Replied that the action as one taken in hurry without consideration of the legal procedures.

Mr. Salman Siddiqui, the SSGC Spokesman, told that the Large Taxpayers Unit has issued tax notices to banks for freezing bank accounts before the release of the judgement of the Appellate Tribunal.

According to him, the General Sales Tax (GST) was charged on the SSGC on the account of the transfer of regasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) to Sui Northern Pipeline Gas Limited, which is illogical and unjustified in the view of the company.

Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC) has submitted a petition against the step of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for recovery of General Sales Tax (GST) in the Sindh High Court through freezing bank accounts.

According to Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC), the court revoked the tax notices of the Large Taxpayers Unit and ordered Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to wait for the judgment of the Appellate Tribunal.

Source: Published in ProPakistani.pk as at Feb 23, 2022