The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in Pakistan has taken decisive action to enhance tax compliance by issuing notices to over 700,000 non-filers. This move comes in response to guidance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), underlining the government’s commitment to bolstering its revenue streams.
FBR sources reveal that the notices have been dispatched after a thorough verification process involving bank and electricity bills. Individuals who have not filed their tax returns have been promptly notified, urging them to submit their returns without delay.
In a bid to enforce compliance, the FBR is adopting a multi-faceted approach. Following the issuance of notices, the next phase involves potential consequences for non-compliance. Mobile phone SIM cards of those failing to submit tax returns are slated for potential blocking, signaling a stringent stance on tax evasion. Subsequently, in the second phase, the FBR plans to disconnect the electricity connections of tax defaulters as an additional measure to ensure adherence to tax regulations.
This initiative aligns with the FBR’s broader objective of expanding the tax net and promoting greater tax compliance. The government has set an ambitious target of bringing over one million new individuals into the tax net during the current fiscal year. The multifaceted strategy, combining notices, mobile SIM blocking, and electricity disconnection, underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a culture of tax responsibility and accountability among its citizens.
