Islamabad, October 27, 2024 – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has sealed two prominent restaurants in Islamabad’s commercial districts, Blue Area and Super Market, for allegedly issuing counterfeit invoices through their Point of Sale (POS) systems.
This decisive action, executed by the Regional Tax Office (RTO) Islamabad, marks a significant step in the FBR’s campaign to bring Tier-1 retailers and restaurants within the tax net.
The RTO Islamabad, a critical arm of the FBR, has been on a targeted mission to ensure that all high-profile businesses comply with POS invoicing regulations. These measures are part of a broader FBR initiative, supported by the recently introduced POS Prize Scheme, aimed at promoting transparency and compliance among Tier-1 retailers, who often operate with substantial daily cash flows.
The FBR’s recent enforcement actions followed the discovery of non-authentic receipts through sophisticated POS tracking software. After verifying the discrepancies via established procedures, a dedicated RTO team, led by the Deputy Commissioner, moved swiftly to seal the two restaurants and imposed fines of Rs. 500,000 each. This financial penalty highlights the FBR’s zero-tolerance policy toward businesses attempting to evade taxes through deceptive practices.
Launched on October 25, the POS Prize Scheme is an innovative approach to engage citizens in combatting tax evasion. Through the Tax Asaan App, consumers can report suspicious or fake invoices directly to the FBR. Verified reports will render consumers eligible for cash rewards, which will be credited directly to their bank accounts. The FBR hopes that this reward-based system will mobilize citizens, fostering a culture of compliance and responsibility in tracking financial transactions.
While currently limited to Islamabad, the POS Prize Scheme is poised to expand nationwide in the coming month. This rollout will progressively encompass all Tier-1 retailers, further tightening FBR’s grip on tax evasion across multiple sectors.
This latest initiative is part of a wider FBR strategy to curb the culture of fake invoicing, ensuring that all taxes owed are duly collected and deposited into the national treasury. As a custodian of public revenue, the FBR remains dedicated to bolstering the national economy through strict enforcement of tax regulations. By leveraging technological tools and citizen involvement, the FBR is set to redefine tax compliance standards across Pakistan.
This decisive action signals a new chapter in Pakistan’s tax collection efforts, underscoring the FBR’s unwavering commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility.