Blocks on SIM cards, FBR, and tax non-filers
ISLAMABAD: In order to ensure tax compliance, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) froze 105,000 SIM cards belonging to noncompliant taxpayers, according to an ARY News story on Friday.
According to specifics, the FBR verified that 105,000 non-filer SIM cards had been disabled, and it was daily supplying the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) with data pertaining to 5,000 non-filers.
After filing their income tax returns, the non-filers can have their SIM cards back, according to the spokeswoman.
The spokeswoman said, “As of right now, 18,902 SIM cards have been reactivated after the individuals paid their taxes and were added to the list of active taxpayers.”
The FBR spokeswoman had earlier refuted allegations that tax filers’ SIM cards are being blocked, saying that there is no mechanism in place to support such a measure, hence there is no reality to the rumours.
READ: After non-filers submit returns, almost 7000 SIMs are unblocked
It is important to note that the FBR has directed the authorities to disable the SIM cards of over 506,671 identified non-compliant taxpayers nationwide in an income tax general order.
Details reveal that over 506,671 people were recognised by the FBR as qualified to submit income tax returns but not on the FBR Active Tax Payer List.
“These people haven’t paid their taxes, even though they should have,” an FBR representative said.
The FBR has started taking legal action against taxpayers who are not in compliance and has informed tax evaders that their SIM card may be banned at any time if they do not file their taxes.
When taxpayers fail to complete their tax returns, the FBR will disable their SIM card. The FBR has taken strong action against taxpayers who are not meeting their commitments and warned them of the repercussions.
