ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government is set to intensify measures against non-tax filers, proposing a ban on their foreign travel as part of the new budget.
Under the proposed budget, non-filers will also face a 75% tax on mobile phone calls. Additionally, the Advance Withholding Tax on non-filer businessmen is proposed to increase from 1% to 2.25%.
The government also plans to raise the Progressive Withholding Tax on all three categories of immovable properties owned by non-filers.
These measures aim to bring non-filers into the tax net, alongside other proposed taxes and enforcement mechanisms. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) seeks to boost tax revenue through these initiatives.
It is noteworthy that the FBR has already blocked the SIM cards of non-filers and plans to disconnect their electricity and gas connections in subsequent phases if they fail to respond to notices.
These actions are part of the government’s strategy to enhance tax collection, as outlined in the upcoming budget being presented in Parliament today. The budget will also see the withdrawal of tax exemptions in sales tax, income tax, and customs duties to increase revenues.
