FBR to hire experts for field audits in major industries

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has decided to bring in 102 sector-specific audit experts to conduct field audits across 42 major industries, in what officials describe as a targeted push to strengthen tax compliance.

The FBR’s audit plan covers a broad spectrum of industries, ranging from automotive, aviation, banking and beverages to cement, ceramics, chemicals and coal.

It also includes departmental stores, edible oil, education, electronics, fertiliser, flour mills, food importers, information technology, battery production, copper processing, mobile manufacturing, paper and packaging, plastics, poultry, power, real estate, restaurants and marquees, rice mills, services, sugar, tea, telecom, textile and tobacco.

In the first phase, audits will focus on 14 priority sectors: automobile, textile, iron and steel, independent power producers and distribution companies, pharmaceuticals, finance and insurance, banking, sugar, chemicals and fertilisers, real estate and construction, petroleum and lubricants, cement, telecommunications and tobacco.

FBR officials said the recruitment process would be handled through human resource firms tasked with ensuring the quality and expertise of candidates. A selection committee will review shortlisted names from these firms and finalise appointments, with the process conducted either in person or online, depending on feasibility.

FBR to use sector experts for targeted audits in high-revenue industries

The initiative aims to deploy sector experts familiar with the technical, operational and financial aspects of each industry, enabling auditors to identify tax gaps more effectively. Field formations have already provided their input on which sectors should be prioritised.

The move comes as part of FBR’s broader efforts to improve revenue collection and enforce compliance among high-revenue industries. By focusing on key sectors and using specialised expertise, the board expects to conduct more informed audits, reduce loopholes, and improve transparency in tax assessments.

An official involved in the project noted that the phased approach would allow FBR to look at the outcomes and expand the programme to other sectors once the initial audits are complete.

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