Special commission formed to resolve Afghanistan’s tax collection issues

A special commission which comprises the Ministry of Finance (MoF), the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and the Attorney General’s Office has been formed to resolve disputes with large companies that owe taxes to the Afghan government.

MoF’s treasury department head, Gul Maqsood Sabit, said three large companies owe roughly 15bn AFN in back-taxes to the Afghan government.

Sabit said the special commission is formed to settle the issues the treasury department has with the various companies.

According to the official, 10% of the 500 large businesses registered with the Afghan government are alleged to be evading taxes to varying extents.

Sabit added that the Ministry is facilitating installment-based payment plans to companies that lack the capacity to pay taxes right away, while those who are refusing to pay taxes due will face legal actions.

The MoF’s treasury department has said government revenues could rise by 30 percent if taxes were properly collected.