FBR Sim Block Action: Promote Tax Discipline

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has produced a list of 506,671 non-filers of income tax returns, whose mobile phone SIM cards will be disabled immediately by the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) and all telecom providers.

The FBR sim block issue has arisen as a result of an Income Tax General Order No. 01 of 2024, issued on Tuesday, to enforce the filing of returns by persons who do not appear on the active taxpayer’s list but are required to file an income tax return for the tax year 2023 under the provisions of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001. 

Non-filers of income tax returns can verify their names using the list of 50,6671 individuals provided in Income Tax General Order No 01 of 2024, which is available on the FBR’s website. 

FBR Sim Block: Issuance of Income Tax General Order

According to the FBR, in exercising the powers conferred by Section 114B of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued this Income Tax General Order (ITGO) to disable mobile phone SIMs in respect of persons who are not on the active taxpayer list but are required to file an income tax return for tax year 2023 under the provisions of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001. 

The mobile SIMs of the aforementioned individuals will remain blocked until they are restored by the FBR or the Commissioner of Inland Revenue with jurisdiction over the person.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and all telecom operators must comply with this ITGO immediately.

The compliance report in this regard must be submitted to the FBR by May 15, 2024, the FBR noted. 

The FBR has highlighted that unblocking non-filers’ mobile SIMs will not be easy. Any requests for restoration must be approved by the FBR or the appropriate commissioner. 

FBR Sim Block Is Just The First Phase Of The FBR’s Plan To Tackle Tax Evasion

According to sources, the FBR sim block is only the first step in the FBR’s strategy to combat tax evasion. Data for over 2 million people has been compiled, implying that more non-filers may face similar action in the following phases.

It is worth mentioning that the FBR has the right to disconnect non-filers electrical connections, which adds another layer of enforcement to ensure overall tax compliance. 

Conclusion

The FBR’s decision to disable SIMs of non-filers is an important step in enforcing tax compliance. With almost 500,000 people affected and preparations for additional action, it reflects a robust position against tax evasion, which might increase income and promote fiscal responsibility.

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