Non-Filers to Pay Rs.90 for Every Rs.100 Mobile Recharge
FBR Implements Steep Tax Hike for Non-Filers: 90% Withholding Tax on Mobile Recharges
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is intensifying efforts to enhance tax revenues and broaden the tax base. Their latest move targets non-filers with a substantial increase in withholding tax, soaring from 2.5 percent to a staggering 90 percent.
Under the new rule, non-filers will have Rs. 90 deducted for every Rs. 100 added to their mobile phones, with additional penalties for persistent non-compliance. This steep tax applies to new SIM card purchases and subsequent recharges, call and data plans.
To enforce compliance, FBR has shared lists identifying over 500,000 non-filers and directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and telecom companies to block their SIM cards. Already, approximately 11,500 SIM cards have been blocked, with more expected in the coming days.
Telecom companies have until May 15 to block SIM cards linked to identified non-filers. This crackdown follows FBR’s identification of millions of potential taxpayers who haven’t met their tax obligations. The goal is to encourage everyone to contribute to the country’s development by paying their fair share of taxes.
