Karachi, October 4, 2024 – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced stringent measures aimed at ensuring compliance with tax return filings for the fiscal year 2024-25. This decisive action follows the provisions outlined in the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, which has been updated as of June 30, 2024, empowering the FBR to impose penalties and enforce compliance among taxpayers.
The FBR’s latest initiative focuses on Section 114B of the Income Tax Ordinance, which grants the board the authority to enforce the filing of returns. Under this section, the FBR has outlined specific powers and repercussions for individuals who fail to appear on the active taxpayers’ list yet remain liable to file their returns.
According to Section 114B:
1. General Orders: The FBR can issue income tax general orders against individuals not listed as active taxpayers. This move is intended to identify and target those who have evaded their tax responsibilities.
2. Consequences for Non-compliance: The repercussions for individuals mentioned in these orders are severe and may include:
– Disabling of mobile phones and SIM cards.
– Disconnection of electricity and gas services.
– Restrictions on foreign travel for Pakistani citizens, although exceptions will be made for individuals holding National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), minors, students, and those traveling abroad for Hajj or Umrah, among other specified categories.
3. Restoration of Services: The FBR or the jurisdictional Commissioner may restore mobile and utility services if they determine that the individual has either filed their return or is not liable to do so under the ordinance.
4. Conditions for Action: No individual will be included in the general order without fulfilling specific criteria:
– A notice under sub-section (4) of Section 114 must have been issued.
– The compliance deadline for this notice must have lapsed.
– The individual must not have filed their return.
5. Additional Provisions: Actions taken under this section do not preclude other actions available under the provisions of the ordinance, indicating that the FBR retains additional enforcement options at its disposal.
The FBR’s announcement signifies a robust commitment to enhancing tax compliance and addressing the rampant tax evasion that has plagued the system for years. By imposing harsh consequences, the FBR aims to bolster the integrity of the tax system and ensure that all eligible individuals contribute their fair share. Taxpayers are urged to take immediate action to fulfill their obligations and avoid the impending penalties. This decisive enforcement strategy may usher in a new era of accountability within Pakistan’s taxation framework.