To combat tax evasion, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has taken decisive steps by blocking the mobile phone SIM cards of more than 500,000 tax evaders nationwide.
This move comes in response to the government’s determination to crack down on individuals who have neglected their tax responsibilities.
With immediate effect, the SIM cards of individuals identified as non-filers with taxable income will be deactivated until May 15.
The FBR issued a notification instructing telecom companies to promptly implement this measure.
The list of non-filers includes 506,671 individuals who are not listed in the Active Taxpayers List due to their failure to file tax returns for the year 2023.
Moreover, the FBR has clarified that restoring mobile SIMs for non-filers will not be straightforward. Requests for reinstatement will require approval from the FBR or the relevant commissioner.
This action marks the initial phase of the FBR’s strategy to combat tax evasion. Data for over 2 million individuals has been compiled, indicating that additional non-filers may be targeted in subsequent phases.
It is noteworthy that the FBR also possesses the authority to disconnect electricity connections for non-filers, enhancing enforcement measures to ensure tax compliance across the board.
