Pokhara business community urges tax base expansion over rate increase 

GANDAKI: Business community in Pokhara Metropolitan City has urged the local government to expand the tax base rather than raise tax rates.  

Representatives of private sector made this recommendation during an interaction organised on Monday by Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with Pokhara Metropolitan City regarding the revenue policy for upcoming fiscal year 2025/26.  

Entrepreneurs stated that the number of people conducting business informally in Pokhara exceeds those operating formally, causing difficulties for registered businesses. They emphasised that the tax and revenue policy implemented by the metropolis should be citizen- and business-friendly.  

President of Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Gokarna Karki, said that unregistered businesses have created problems for those paying taxes. "There is a possibility of unauthorised sale of goods from smuggled sources rather than those imported by paying customs revenue," Karki remarked.  

He stressed the need to ensure that taxes of the same nature are not paid in multiple locations. He also called for a business-friendly policy.  

Addressing the longstanding issue of house tax in Pokhara, Karki demanded that responsibility for payment should lie with house owners.  

President of Lekhnath Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Binod Shrestha, highlighted the importance of formulating a revenue policy that incorporates input from the private sector.  

Speaking at the event, President of the Confederation of Gandaki Province Industries, Binod Sharma; Pokhara Chamber of Commerce President Umaraj Bastola; LCCI General Secretary Januka Parajuli; and Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry Senior Vice-President Uttam Man Buddhacharya, among others, stressed the necessity of business-friendly state policies.  

Deputy Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City and Coordinator of the Revenue Advisory Committee, Manju Devi Gurung, assured that the concerns raised by the private sector would be considered when formulating policy.  

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