‘Non-filers to face restrictions on purchasing property, opening bank account’
3-10-2024
Islamabad: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb announced on Tuesday that non-tax filers in Pakistan will soon face stringent restrictions, including limitations on purchasing property, vehicles, and opening bank accounts. The news was reported by a news source on October 2. Read: IHC notifies FBR over objection on Federal Excise Duty As per details, during a conversation with a private news channel, the minister emphasised the government’s commitment to expanding the tax base, stating that significant measures are being introduced to ensure compliance. He explained that the wholesale sector, distributors, retailers, and the real estate industry will be systematically brought into the tax net to enhance revenue collection. Aurangzeb also shared that subsidies on wheat and sugarcane will be reduced gradually through a phased approach, as part of broader economic reforms. In a major shift, the government plans to abolish the category of non-filers altogether, he confirmed. Furthermore, the minister stressed the need for tax uniformity across all provinces, revealing that a new financial agreement will be signed to streamline the tax system nationwide. Read: FBR offers rewards for reporting retail tax violations When questioned about the efforts to increase tax compliance, Aurangzeb proudly noted that an additional 500,000 individuals have been added to the tax net this year. He attributed this success to the use of data collected through NADRA and other sources, adding that high-income earners will be required to pay their fair share of taxes.