ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Spokesperson Bakhtiar Muhammad on Thursday announced a nationwide initiative to promote tax compliance where the department will conduct seminars to educate taxpayers and after this campaign FBR will impose strict penalties on tax defaulters.
Speaking to news channel PTV, he said that through seminars, workshops and media outreach, FBR is trying to educate the public about tax laws, benefits and procedures. Following the education efforts, the FBR will adopt a zero-tolerance policy on tax evasion, imposing strict penalties and legal action on non-compliant individuals and businesses, he added.
The move aims to encourage taxpayers to file returns quickly and accurately, he added. The initiative will use multiple channels, including digital platforms, print and electronic media and public seminars to ensure maximum reach, he explained.
To a question, he said that improving tax compliance culture is the main objective of the government and the Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) is actively working on it in collaboration with taxpayers.
According to him, last year’s decision not to extend the deadline for filing returns had an overwhelming response among taxpayers. He said the FBR has advised all taxpayers who are required to file tax returns by September 30, 2021 to fulfill their statutory obligation without waiting for the last date to avoid systemic delays that occur when a large number of taxpayers seek to file confession close to the deadline. The FBR reiterated that there will be no extension in the deadline for filing income tax returns.
