Islamabad, March 13, 2025 – Pakistan has reached a historic milestone by recording 6.51 million Active Taxpayers, the highest number in the country’s history.
This increase reflects the government’s strong efforts to promote tax compliance and widen the tax base.
According to the latest Active Taxpayers List (ATL) issued on Thursday, the number of Active Taxpayers has surged from 5.34 million recorded on November 1, 2024. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) attributes this growth to strict policies designed to encourage tax compliance and discourage non-filers from avoiding their tax obligations.
In December 2024, the government introduced a major tax bill in the National Assembly, which included tough restrictions on individuals who do not file tax returns. The FBR has been actively enforcing these measures to improve tax collection and strengthen the financial system.
To ensure more people become Active Taxpayers, the government has placed strict limitations on non-filers under a new section of the tax law. These rules prevent non-filers from engaging in important financial activities, such as:
1. Buying or Registering Vehicles – People who are not Active Taxpayers cannot book, purchase, or register motor vehicles. Car manufacturers and excise departments have been instructed to enforce this rule.
2. Property Transactions – Non-filers are not allowed to buy or transfer high-value properties. Land registrars and property offices must confirm tax status before completing any transaction.
3. Investing in Stocks and Mutual Funds – The FBR has asked brokerage firms, banks, and mutual fund companies to block investment activities for those who are not on the Active Taxpayers List.
4. Banking Restrictions – Non-filers will face limits on opening new bank accounts. Only basic ‘Asaan’ accounts will be allowed. The FBR has also set limits on cash withdrawals to control tax evasion.
The FBR has improved the way it updates the Active Taxpayers List. Previously, the list was updated once a year in March, but now it is refreshed daily. This change ensures that new filers are quickly added to the list, promoting better compliance.
To further encourage tax filing, the government has introduced penalties for persistent non-filers. These include blocking mobile SIM cards, suspending utility connections, and restricting international travel. However, certain groups, such as overseas Pakistanis, students, and religious travelers, are exempt from these penalties.
With these strong enforcement measures, Pakistan is making significant progress in increasing the number of Active Taxpayers. The government’s efforts aim to create a fair tax system and strengthen the country’s economy for long-term growth.