The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) has launched a renewed drive to bring long-standing non-taxpayers into the formal tax system, signaling a tougher stance on undocumented economic activity within the province’s services sector.
Under the latest instructions, all companies providing services in Punjab are now required to register with the PRA, integrate their operations with the E-Invoicing Monitoring System (EIMS), and ensure regular and timely tax payments. The move is aimed at strengthening oversight and reducing revenue losses caused by years of non-compliance.
Digital Systems Take Center Stage
A key pillar of this initiative is the expansion of e-invoicing, which allows tax authorities to monitor transactions more effectively and in real time. By making EIMS registration mandatory, the PRA hopes to improve transparency, discourage underreporting, and establish a uniform compliance framework for all service providers.
Officials believe that increased reliance on digital systems will help shift the tax culture from selective enforcement to systematic accountability.
Field Performance Under Review
The strategy was discussed in detail during a performance review meeting chaired by PRA Chairman Muazzam Iqbal Sipra. The session focused on field operations, revenue targets, and the pace of EIMS onboarding across divisions.
While several regions showed improvement, the Sargodha and Bahawalpur divisions were flagged for falling short of their revenue goals. The Chairman stressed that consistent monitoring and corrective action would be essential to close these gaps.
Capacity Building and Taxpayer Facilitation
To improve on-ground effectiveness, the PRA leadership ordered a province-wide training initiative for field staff to be conducted within the month. The training is intended to enhance enforcement skills while also improving engagement with businesses unfamiliar with tax procedures.
Alongside stricter oversight, officers were instructed to adopt a facilitative approach, guiding businesses through registration and compliance processes to encourage voluntary participation rather than relying solely on penalties.
Coordinated Push to Expand the Tax Base
District commissioners and enforcement officials joined the meeting via video link, reflecting a coordinated effort between provincial authorities and local administrations.
The PRA’s latest measures form part of a broader attempt to broaden the tax base, reduce dependence on compliant taxpayers, and improve revenue sustainability. If enforcement and facilitation move forward together, the initiative could mark a meaningful shift toward better documentation of Punjab’s service economy.