FBR to block mobile phones, SIM cards of non-filers this month

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is poised to take stringent actions against non-filers in the ongoing month as part of its efforts to enhance tax compliance.

Reliable sources indicate that the FBR will initiate the blocking of mobile SIM cards and mobile phones belonging to individuals who have not filed their taxes.

In the initial phase of this crackdown, non-filers can expect their mobile SIM cards and phones to be rendered inactive. To formalise these measures, the FBR intends to issue the Income Tax General Order by January 15.

Expanding its reach further, the FBR is formulating a comprehensive strategy to disconnect electricity and gas connections for those who remain non-compliant.

However, it is noteworthy that the FBR currently lacks complete data on the electricity connections of non-filers.

FBR Chairman Amjed Zubair Tiwana had forewarned in December that the enforcement of measures such as blocking mobile phone SIMs and severing utility connections for non-filers would commence in January 2024.

In a bid to broaden the tax base, the tax authority aims to bring in an additional 1.5 million new filers through its ongoing exercise. Chairman Tiwana underscored last month that the primary hurdle to the FBR’s performance lies in limited resources.

Anticipating an upswing, he suggested that the FBR’s revenue collection would experience a boost with the infusion of ample resources.

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