FBR warns non-filers of suspension of bank accounts, travel ban 

ISLAMABAD: In a significant development, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued a stern warning to those who have not filed their income tax returns.

Non-filers could now face the repercussions of having their bank accounts suspended and being barred from both local and international travel, including motorways and air travel.

Muhammad Asif, Chief of Broadening the Tax Base (BTB), highlighted in a statement that the FBR has initiated a comprehensive nationwide survey targeting businesses and commercial units to identify non-filers for registration.

As per Asif, non-filers are strongly advised to register at their nearest tax office promptly to avoid penalties, fines, utility disconnection, suspension of bank accounts, and, in extreme cases, restrictions on movement within the country and abroad, particularly on motorways and airports.

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FBR’s ongoing efforts involve surveys and data collection by its field formations across the country. The gathered information on businesses and commercial activities will be made available on the FBR website in the near future.

Pakistan, with a population of 240 million, grapples with a meager tax base, where only around 5.2 million people are registered in the tax system and filed returns in 2022.

In a significant development, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued a stern warning to those who have not filed their income tax returns.

The Director of BTB emphasized that FBR, using third-party data acquisition, has compiled information on hundreds of thousands of financial transactions of individuals currently outside the tax net. This data, titled “MALOMAAT,” is accessible on the FBR website (www.fbr.gov.pk).

With an estimated 1.5 million new taxpayers expected to be added this year, the FBR is actively encouraging everyone to take advantage of the time, visit their nearest tax office, and get registered. Failure to comply may result in penalties, fines, utility disconnection, bank account suspension, and, in extreme cases, restrictions on domestic and international travel.

Muhammad Asif concluded by emphasizing that FBR is equipped with data on eligible individuals, and non-compliance will lead to their inclusion in the tax net in the coming weeks and days. It is, therefore, in the best interest of all concerned parties to act promptly and avoid the potential consequences outlined by the FBR.