Letters to the Editor
Plight of a senior citizen
There is already a practice of collecting Advance Income Tax (AIT) from a TIN holder during renewal of vehicle fitness. It might be effective for reaching the target to some extent but it is injustice to a retired person who is maintaining a car without having a regular source of income.
I retired from government service in 2004. Except for a car, I don't have a house or a plot. My source of income is mainly interests on my retirement benefits, consultancy fees and savings from my around 32 years' government service. I submitted my income tax returns in fairs the last two years. One gentleman from Income Tax department suggested that I sell the car if I don't pay tax. But it is not the inability to pay tax as AIT, as it is adjustable with the total tax to be paid at the end of fiscal year. But how will it be adjusted as the bank is straight away deducting 10% at source? AIT payment has been made compulsory, without which BRTA will not renew fitness. Moreover, being a senior citizen I am not in a position to avail 0% tax relief slab on my taxable income.
Will anybody in the media, NBR, or ministry of finance show me a solution?
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