The New Nation - Internet Edition

THE National Board of Revenue made some startling revelations as it carried out a survey as appeared in the press the other day. According to the findings of the survey, more than 50 per cent tax-payers' identification numbers, better known as 'TIN number', used for purchasing land and receiving credit cards from banks and over 30 per cent used in buying cars are 'fake'. The findings on evasion of tax has been described as an 'alarming trend' on the use of tax documents for availing regulatory and utility services. Only a few taxpayers' identification numbers were detected in two more areas covered by the survey-while opening letters of credit and receiving loans from banks amounting to more than Tk 5 lakh.

Overall, 131 or 35 per cent of the 371 TINs examined by NBR's special teams were found fake. Following the findings, the NBR chairman issued a note of stern warning that no one would be able to dodge all laws including the one on tax all the time and if found guilty, law will take it own course and the evader will 'lose both ways'-cancellation of benefits and punishment. The revenue board would soon conduct a full-fledged survey to identify fake TINs used for various official purposes and then take necessary measures to pursue all of them to come under the tax net. As reported by media, relevant government departments have already been requested to help the revenue board to identify fake number holders and take steps accordingly. The board will also review the situation every three months to monitor and keep track of the actions to be taken in this regard.