ISLAMABAD – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has decided to eliminate the non-filer category and impose 15 restrictions on tax evaders.
Initially, five of the 15 restriction will be implemented while remaining will be enforced gradually to tight noose around the non-filers.
The development comes as the September 25 deadline for filing the income tax returns draws closer. The top tax authority has announced that deadline will not be extended, indicating that the new restrictions will be enforced from October 1, 2024.
Restriction to be imposed on non-filers
Initially, the non-filers will face the five restrictions such as prohibition on property purchases, vehicle purchases, international travel, opening current accounts, and investing in mutual funds.
The FBR has announced the introduction of various restrictions targeting non-filers to enhance tax compliance and broaden the tax base.
The government is abolishing the non-filer category, which means individuals who previously paid a nominal fee to avoid taxes on these transactions will no longer be able to do so.
FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial revealed that 15 specific activities will be restricted for individuals who do not file tax returns, with an initial focus on five key areas.
These measures are part of the FBR’s reform plan, which has already been approved by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
A government official told a media outlet that this initiative will be implemented through an ordinance, and the FBR is already working on its rules and involving the Ministry of Law in the process.
The FBR chairman criticized the concept of non-filers, stating that such classifications are not found globally and should be abolished.
