This blog is written by Mr. Awais Mumtaz, Senior Associate Taxation, Corporate and Accounting Services. Please read this well crafted and thought provoking blog and provide your valued comments.


Law Abiding Tax Citizen

Supporting developing countries in mobilizing domestic revenues and in fighting tax evasion is key in efforts to eradicate poverty and support government expenditure. Increasing domestic revenue enables these countries to spend more on sustainable public services needed to achieve these goals. Efficient, fair and sustainable tax systems are also critical for state building and promoting democracy and improved economic governance.

Taxation has global consequences – all over the world, governments lose billions in revenue every year because of harmful tax practices – both developed and developing countries are affected.

Following are some basic principles which make a person law abiding tax citizen:

  • Obey all laws relating to taxation and grant no exemptions, credit or advantage to any taxpayer that is not provided by the law;
  • Be dedicated to the highest ideals of honesty and integrity in all matters in order to maintain the respect and confidence of the government and taxpayers;

3) Strive to be impartial, fair, neutral and consistent in administering the law without regard to race, social status or economic circumstances;

4) Provide prompt, efficient and quality service to all stakeholders in an effort to exceed their expectations;

5) Refrain from actively participating in partisan political activities;

6) Accurately record proceedings and maintain taxpayer information in the strictest confidence and highest level of security;

7) Refrain from soliciting gifts for actions and non-actions;

8) Make reasonable effort to collect the proper amount of tax revenue due at the lowest possible cost to the state, and in a manner that warrants the highest degree of confidence in our integrity, efficiency, effectiveness and fairness;

9) Respond to valid taxpayer refund claims with the same diligence as employed in collection of taxes;

10) Educate taxpayers on their rights and responsibilities to ensure the highest possible levels of voluntary compliance to the laws.

Awais Mumtaz