Karachi, August 5, 2024 – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced a significant increase in the number of active taxpayers in Pakistan, reaching 5.23 million for the tax year 2023.
This surge reflects the success of recent initiatives aimed at broadening the tax base.
According to official data released on Monday, the number of active taxpayers has risen sharply from 3.35 million at the launch of the Active Taxpayers List (ATL) on March 1, 2024. The latest update, based on income tax returns filed up to August 4, 2024, highlights a remarkable increase of 1.88 million active taxpayers over the past five months.
FBR officials attribute this rise to stringent measures implemented under the new Budget 2024, which have effectively encouraged non-compliant taxpayers to fulfill their tax obligations. “The significant growth in active taxpayers is a clear indicator of the effectiveness of our recent strategies and reforms,” an FBR source stated. “Our efforts to expand the tax net and improve compliance are yielding positive results.”
The FBR has been updating the ATL on a weekly basis, and the current numbers reflect ongoing efforts to enhance tax collection and compliance. The government aims to boost the number of active taxpayers to 10 million, which would help widen the tax net and improve the tax-to-GDP ratio. This ambitious goal underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing fiscal responsibility and economic stability.
Looking ahead, the FBR anticipates that the number of active taxpayers for the tax year 2024 will see further growth, thanks to recent changes in the income tax statute. These changes include increased penalties for non-filers and late filers, which are expected to incentivize more individuals and businesses to comply with tax regulations.
The deadline for filing income tax returns for the tax year 2024 is September 30, 2024. The FBR encourages all taxpayers to file their returns by this date to avoid penalties and contribute to the country’s economic development.
Overall, the surge in active taxpayers is a promising development for Pakistan’s tax system, reflecting both the effectiveness of recent reforms and the increasing willingness of citizens to meet their tax obligations. The FBR continues to work towards expanding the tax base and improving fiscal transparency, with the goal of strengthening the nation’s financial foundation.
