Non-filers may face SIM blocking, utility disconnections in January 2024

ISLAMABAD: In a significant development for non-filers in Pakistan, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is poised to take stringent measures in the coming month.

Commencing as early as next week, the FBR plans to initiate the blocking of mobile phone SIMs and disconnect utility services, including electricity and gas connections, for those who have not been filing their income tax returns.

The enforcement exercise by the FBR is slated to be executed within January 2024, following the expiration of the response deadline for notices issued on December 28–29.

The tax authority is set to issue a comprehensive order listing the names of non-compliant non-filers, paving the way for the disconnection of electricity and gas connections as well as the blocking of SIMs across various connections and service providers.

Notably, the FBR faces the challenge of identifying and taking action against non-filer citizens with electricity bills registered in the name of family members.

This intricacy adds a layer of complexity as the tax machinery endeavours to disconnect the electricity connections of individuals who are, in fact, non-filers.

Despite these challenges, Pakistan’s tax authorities express confidence in the ongoing effort to broaden the tax base.

The current initiative aims to bring an estimated 1.5 million new filers into the tax net, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing fiscal responsibility.

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