Karachi, December 2, 2024 – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has added approximately 0.3 million taxpayers to its Active Taxpayers List (ATL) for the tax year 2024 during November. The updated list now reflects 5.64 million active taxpayers as of December 1, 2024, based on income tax returns filed up to that date.
The latest ATL was initially released on November 1, 2024, with 5.34 million active taxpayers. The addition of 300,000 taxpayers marks significant progress in expanding Pakistan’s tax net and improving compliance.
The FBR’s updated procedures, introduced via amendments under SRO 1638(I)/2024, have modernized the ATL system. Unlike previous years, when the ATL was issued annually in March, the new framework mandates its release immediately after the tax filing deadline. Daily updates to the ATL now ensure real-time recognition of taxpayers’ compliance, allowing them to achieve active status promptly upon filing their returns.
“This daily update mechanism demonstrates FBR’s dedication to operational transparency and efficiency,” an official from the FBR stated. “It ensures the ATL remains a dynamic and accurate reflection of the taxpayer base, benefiting all stakeholders involved.”
Taxpayers filing their Income Tax Returns (ITR) on time, or within any granted extension, are automatically included on the ATL. Late filers can still attain active status, but only after paying a surcharge as outlined in Section 182A of the Income Tax Ordinance. This balanced approach, combining flexibility with stringent measures, aims to foster a more inclusive tax culture.
To further boost compliance, the FBR has introduced strict penalties for non-filers, which will be enforced following the ATL 2024 release. Penalties include suspension of mobile phone SIM cards, disconnection of utilities, and restrictions on foreign travel. These measures are part of FBR’s broader strategy to deter tax evasion and encourage timely filings.
Certain exemptions apply, including for holders of the National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), minors, students, and individuals traveling abroad for religious purposes such as Hajj or Umrah.
The revamped ATL system highlights FBR’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s tax infrastructure. By enhancing taxpayer recognition and fostering compliance, the initiative aims to build trust between citizens and the state, paving the way for greater fiscal stability and sustainable economic growth.
