The National Board of Revenue (NBR) is heading towards die online tax payment system for bringing efficiency and transparency in tax administration.

The first step for the introduction of online payment of tax- automation work was launched yesterday at the tax offices.

NBR Chairman Muhammad Abdul Mazid formally launched the programme at tax zone-1 by handing over a computer to the income tax officials.

“We'll be able to launch online tax payment system gradually with the full automation in income tax offices," he said.

Once automation is completed, communication gap between taxpayers and taxmen will be minimised, he said. “Full computerisation will save time of the taxmen and make a hassle-free tax payment system."

Convener of the automation steering committee Kanon Kumar Roy expressed his gratitude to the government for allocation of fund for

automation in tax administration.

He said: “It is the formal starting of automation work, but major portion of the work, which needs proper planning, still remains to be done.”

The NBR chairman said the government has provided funds to the board for the automation programme instead of including it in the Annual Development Programme (ADP). This will expedite the project work, he added.

NBR member Ahmed Ali also spoke onthe occasion.