FBR to disable mobile SIMs on non-filing of tax returns

ISLAMABAD: Finance Bill 2022 has proposed to empower Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to disable mobile phone SIMs of non-filers of annual tax return.

Besides, it is also proposed to empower the FBR to disconnect connections of electricity and gas of non-filers.

The amendment has been proposed though Budget 2022/2023, which was presented on June 10, 2022.

The Finance Bill, 2022 proposed insertion of Section 114B to the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.

Following is the text of proposed amendment:

“114B. Powers to enforce filing of returns.— (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, the Board shall have the powers to issue income tax general order in respect of persons who are not appearing on active taxpayers’ list but are liable to file return under the provisions of the Ordinance.

(2) The income tax general order issued under sub-section (1) may entail any or all of the following consequences for the persons mentioned therein, namely:–

(a) disabling of mobile phones or mobile phone SIMS;

(b) discontinuance of electricity connection; or

(3) The Board or the Commissioner having jurisdiction over the person mentioned in the income tax general order may order restoration of mobile phones, mobile phone SIMs and connections of electricity and gas, in cases where he is satisfied that —

(a) the return has been filed; or

(b) person was not liable to file return under the provisions of the Ordinance.

(4) No person shall be included in the general order under sub-section (1) unless following conditions have been met with, namely:–

(a) notice under sub-section (4) of section 114 has been issued;

(b) date of compliance of the notice under sub-section (4) of section 114 has elapsed; and

(5) The action under this section shall not preclude any other action provided under the provisions of the Ordinance.”