The Regional Tax Office (RTO) Islamabad took stern action on Thursday by sealing five prominent restaurants in the city for issuing fake invoices and receipts.
The crackdown follows complaints from citizens who reported that these restaurants were involved in issuing counterfeit receipts, according to a press release from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
This action is part of FBR’s broader strategy to bring Tier-1 retailers and restaurants under the tax net through the Point of Sale (POS) Invoicing system. The FBR, using its advanced POS tracking software, verified the authenticity of the reported receipts. Following this verification, a team from RTO Islamabad, led by Deputy Commissioner, took immediate action by sealing the five restaurants. In addition to the closure of these establishments, a total penalty of Rs 1.5 million was imposed on them.
The FBR also highlighted the launch of its Point of Sales Prize Scheme, which started on October 25. Initially, this scheme has been introduced in Islamabad for Tier-1 restaurants. The initiative will gradually be extended to all Tier-1 retailers, with a nationwide rollout expected by the end of this month.
Under the scheme, citizens and consumers who report fake receipts through the Tax Asaan app are eligible for cash rewards. After the FBR verifies the authenticity of the reported receipts, cash prizes will be directly transferred to the winners’ bank accounts. The restaurants involved in issuing fake receipts will then face penalties, including closure.
The objective of this initiative is clear: to combat the prevalent culture of fake invoicing and ensure that the appropriate taxes are paid into the national exchequer. The FBR’s drive aims to promote transparency, increase tax compliance, and discourage tax evasion by involving the public in the process.
FBR officials reiterated their commitment to ensuring tax compliance through stringent enforcement of tax regulations. By taking such actions, the FBR hopes to send a strong message to all businesses, ensuring that they adhere to tax laws and contribute their fair share to the economy. The initiative is part of the FBR’s ongoing efforts to modernize and enhance Pakistan’s tax system, making it more efficient and accountable.
