FBR blocks 85,000 SIMs of non-filers

ISLAMABAD: In a move to enforce tax compliance, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) reportedly blocked 85,000 SIM cards of non-compliant taxpayers, ARY News reported on Tuesday.

The FBR spokesperson in a statement confirmed that data for 90,000 non-filers has been shared with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PYA), with FBR providing data for 5,000 non-filers daily.

The spokesperson stated that the non-filers can have their SIM cards restored after submitting their income tax returns.

“To date, 14,000 SIM cards have been reactivated after the individuals paid their taxes and were included in the list of active taxpayers,” the spokesperson added.

READ: Over 7000 SIMs unblocked after non-filers submit returns

However, the FBR spokesperson debunked the news of blocking the SIM cards of tax filers and stated that there is no truth to reports related to blocking SIM cards of tax filers, as there is no system in place for it.

It is pertinent to mention here that the FBR has issued an income tax general order, calling the authorities to block the SIM cards of more than 506,000 identified non-compliant taxpayers across the nation.

According to the details, the FBR identified more than 506,000 individuals, eligible to file income tax returns but not included in the FBR Active Tax Payer List.

“Despite being eligible, these individuals have not fulfilled their tax obligations,” an FBR spokesperson stated.

The FBR has initiated action against non-compliant taxpayers and warned the tax evaders that the SIM card can be blocked at any time if they fail to file their tax returns.

The FBR has taken decisive action against taxpayers who are not fulfilling their obligations and warned them of the consequences, including a SIM card blockade at any time if the individuals fail to file their tax returns.