Banks continue to deduct withholding tax on transaction from filers

Lahore: Patron Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders Shahid Rasheed Butt on Sunday said some banks continue to deduct withholding tax (WHT) on transaction from filers which is illegal as well as unethical.

The attitude of banks amounts to frustrate government’s move to boost revenue through enhanced taxation on transactions.

The negative practices by some banks continue to frustrate masses and honest taxpayers which may intensify standoff between business community and government over WHT, he said.

Shahid Rasheed Butt said that financial institutions should not trigger opposition to WHT on bank transactions to maximise their profits as it is highly unethical and illegal.

Banks are already facing reduced deposits and transaction while negative methods will deprive them of the faith of masses which will help parallel banking system which is already gaining momentum in the country, he observed.

The veteran business leader said that it is responsibility of the government to ensure transparency in deduction of WHT on bank transaction otherwise banks will promote underground economy in their own interest.

He said that government should discourage undocumented economy which is already expanding which will leave government will no option to pick begging bowl as situation of exports and taxes is highly unsatisfactory.

Government imposed WHT on bank transactions to raise additional 100 billion rupees while the protest of traders has already cause losses to the tune of 300 billion which may raise to Rs500 billion until Eid.