The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has implemented real-time machine-to-machine data integration with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and is linking with other major organizations that hold data on financial transactions.

This integration is part of the FBR’s efforts to broaden Pakistan’s tax base for the fiscal year 2023-24, including its leverage to advanced technology and data analytics, utilizing continuous monitoring through dashboards.

A strong “nudging” activity has been initiated, with SMS and WhatsApp messages being sent to high-profile unregistered individuals, urging them to file their tax returns.

Additionally, a media campaign has been launched to encourage citizens to visit the Malomaat portal and file their returns.

The FBR has already signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with 28 departments and organizations to facilitate the real-time transfer of data and information.

The Malomaat portal and the Tax Ray tool have been revamped to provide effective support to field formations, assisting in both tax collection and compliance monitoring.

A significant milestone in the FBR’s efforts to expand the tax base is the creation of 145 District Tax Offices (DTOs), each designated with specific jurisdiction to broaden the tax base and take action against non-filers.

The FBR has also set up a special committee under the leadership of the NADRA Chairman, with senior officials from both organizations, tasked with providing recommendations for broadening the tax base, which are now being implemented.

In addition, the FBR has instructed Telecom companies (TELCOs) to temporarily disable SIM cards of non-filers under Section 114B of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001.

For Tax Year 2023, the FBR has registered an all-time high of 3.6 million new taxpayers, with 1,780,406 of them having filed their returns, marking a significant achievement in expanding tax compliance and strengthening the national tax system.

Source: ProPakistani