Islamabad, March 21, 2024 – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has taken a significant step towards enhancing tax transparency and combating evasion with the introduction of rules for the Synchronized Withholding Administration and Payment System (SWAPS).
These rules aim to enforce digital invoicing, thereby promoting documentation and minimizing tax evasion loopholes.
In an official notification issued on Thursday, the FBR introduced SRO 419(I)/2024 to amend the Income Tax Rules, 2002. The regulations outlined in this notification provide a framework for the implementation of SWAPS, which is designed to streamline the process of withholding tax administration and payment through digital means.
Key provisions of the newly introduced rules include definitions for crucial terms such as “Digital Invoice,” “SWAPS,” “SWAPS ID,” and “SWAPS Payment Receipt.” These definitions serve as the foundation for understanding the operational aspects of the SWAPS system.
Every entity designated as a SWAPS Agent is mandated to update its profile in the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) following notification under the rules. Furthermore, SWAPS Agents are required to install and integrate approved fiscal electronic devices and software for conducting transactions subject to withholding tax.
Under the new regulations, SWAPS Agents are prohibited from carrying out specified transactions unless conducted through the SWAPS platform. Additionally, digital invoicing is made mandatory for all transactions, with strict requirements for ensuring alignment of the withholdee’s CNIC, NTN, and IBAN.
The SWAPS Payment Receipt (SPR) serves as the primary documentation for tax collection or deduction, and it must include detailed particulars prescribed by the Board. These particulars encompass various transaction-related information, including SWAPS-ID, supplier details, transaction amount, tax deductions, and other relevant data fields.
In cases of non-compliance with the SWAPS rules, SWAPS Agents may face penal provisions as prescribed under the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001. However, the rules also provide a mechanism for requesting extensions in registration or integration timelines, subject to approval by the Commissioner Inland Revenue.
The introduction of SWAPS rules marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s efforts to modernize its tax administration system and promote digitalization in financial transactions. By leveraging technology to enforce digital invoicing, the FBR aims to enhance tax compliance, curb evasion, and foster a more transparent and efficient tax ecosystem in the country.
