A Text Message That Says a Lot: FBR’s Tax Drive Reaches the Top
In Pakistan, tax enforcement has long been criticized for being selective. This week, however, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) sent out a message—literally—that it wants to change that perception. As part of its campaign to expand the tax net, the FBR dispatched compliance reminder SMS alerts to income tax filers across the country. One […]
Revenue Shortfall Persists as FBR Struggles to Meet Tax Targets
Pakistan’s tax authority, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), continues to face difficulties in meeting its revenue goals, reporting a tax collection gap of over Rs335 billion in the first half of the ongoing fiscal year. The shortfall underscores persistent challenges in achieving fiscal targets amid a slowing economy and compliance issues. Data from official […]
FBR Expands Tax Review of Exporters Following Income Reporting Red Flags
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has significantly widened its tax enforcement net by ordering a comprehensive review of tax records for more than 480 of Pakistan’s top exporting companies. The decision has triggered unease within the export sector, which fears increased regulatory pressure at a challenging economic moment. The directive, issued on December 30 […]
FBR Tightens Oversight on Exporters After Noticing Income Reporting Gaps
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has stepped up monitoring of the export sector after identifying an unexpected decline in taxable income reported by some of the country’s largest exporters. The development has prompted the tax authority to order a detailed review of export-related tax returns to ensure accurate reporting and compliance with tax laws. […]
Punjab Revenue Authority Takes Action Against Widespread Sales Tax Violations
The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) has launched a province-wide enforcement drive to curb sales tax evasion, resulting in the seizure of records from 11 business outlets across multiple cities in Punjab. The operation targeted tax-defaulters operating in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Taxila, and Bahawalpur. During the campaign, PRA inspection teams visited 58 food outlets and event […]
FBR Confirms December 31, 2025 as Final Date for Corporate Tax Filings
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has officially set December 31, 2025 as the final deadline for companies to submit their annual income tax returns along with all required compliance documents. Corporate taxpayers are being urged to take this timeline seriously, as the authority has ruled out any automatic extensions. According to the FBR, companies […]
Crackdown on Sugar Industry: FBR Seals Mills Over Tax Irregularities
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has intensified its enforcement drive in the sugar sector by sealing two sugar mills in Central Punjab after uncovering serious breaches of tax laws. The action was taken following a report submitted by an intelligence agency, pointing to large-scale non-compliance and regulatory violations. In a significant move to ensure […]
FBR Strengthens Tax Awareness Through Digital Outreach to Businesses
In an effort to make tax compliance easier and more accessible, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is stepping up its engagement with Pakistan’s business community. By focusing on online tax return filing and voluntary compliance, the FBR aims to simplify tax procedures and encourage businesses to become part of the documented economy. As part […]
FBR Takes Firm Action Against Negligence in Sugar Mill Monitoring
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has once again signaled that it means business when it comes to discipline and accountability. In a recent move, the tax authority suspended six officials who were found absent from their assigned duties at sugar mills without proper authorization. These officials had been deployed under Section 40B of the […]
Questions Raised Over FBR’s Accountability After Ignoring FTO Directive
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is facing renewed scrutiny after its Inland Revenue (Operations) Wing failed to comply with a lawful order issued by the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) in a case involving a corporate taxpayer. The incident has sparked concerns about compliance, transparency, and respect for oversight within the tax administration. According to […]
FBR to Take Tough Action Against Online Sale of Smuggled Goods
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is preparing to launch a comprehensive enforcement drive targeting the sale of smuggled and non-duty-paid goods being marketed through social media platforms. The initiative reflects the authority’s growing focus on curbing illegal trade in the digital marketplace. According to sources within the tax authority, the campaign will officially begin […]
Starting a Company? Know Your Compliance Requirements from Day One
When setting up a company, many entrepreneurs focus on registration but overlook an equally important aspect—statutory compliance. In Pakistan, a company’s legal obligations depend largely on its type and paid-up capital. Understanding these requirements early can help you avoid penalties and ensure smooth operations. This guide provides a simplified overview of key compliance obligations for […]
Punjab Sales Tax on Hotel and Restaurant Services: What Changes from July 2025?
From 1 July 2025, Punjab’s sales tax rules for hotels and restaurants will be applied more broadly under the Punjab Sales Tax on Services Act, 2012. The revised framework removes ambiguity around tax coverage, introduces incentives for digital payments, and sets clearer compliance expectations for businesses operating in the hospitality sector. This article breaks down […]
FTO Reveals Digital Tax Fraud Network Inside FBR and PRAL
The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has exposed a sophisticated cyber fraud network operating through the digital systems of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL). The group was found to be manipulating sales tax filings by submitting fake and revised returns based on fraudulent invoices that showed imaginary business transactions. […]
Major Crackdown: FBR Intercepts Smuggled Smartphones Worth Rs. 62 Million
In a decisive move against illegal trade, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has confiscated a massive haul of smuggled mobile phones valued at approximately Rs. 62 million. The operation was conducted by the Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) under the Collectorate of Customs Enforcement, Karachi, following a carefully planned intelligence-based strategy. According to customs authorities, the […]
Capital Gains on Debt Securities: A Tax Rule Investors Can’t Ignore
Investors earning profits from debt-related investments have been advised to stay alert to their tax responsibilities, as the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has confirmed that withholding tax on capital gains will continue to apply in tax year 2026. The rule, enforced under Section 151A of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, is mandatory and non-compliance […]
Ombudsman Pushes FBR to Act Against Sales Tax Cybercrime
The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has taken a strong stance against growing cyber fraud in Pakistan’s sales tax system, instructing the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to move quickly against those involved in digital tax manipulation. This directive, issued by Ombudsman Zafar-ul-Haq Hijazi, is his first official order and highlights serious concerns about weaknesses in […]
Concerns Grow Over FBR’s Role in Pakistan’s Business Challenges
Pakistan’s investment climate is facing renewed scrutiny as lawmakers and industry voices raise concerns about the Federal Board of Revenue’s impact on businesses operating in the country. The issue came into focus during a recent meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Commerce, where participants discussed the difficulties faced by both local companies and […]
FBR Keeps Offices Open to Help Taxpayers Meet Year-End Deadlines
As the year draws to a close, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has taken an important step to support taxpayers and ensure smooth revenue collection. To accommodate the rush typically seen at the end of December, the FBR has decided to keep its offices open beyond regular schedules. According to an official notification, the […]
Why Salary Tax Is Deducted at Source in Pakistan
Many salaried individuals in Pakistan notice that income tax is deducted from their salary before it is credited to their bank account. This practice often raises questions, especially among new taxpayers. The reason behind this system lies in Pakistan’s tax laws, specifically Section 149 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, which makes salary tax deduction […]