Govt set to freeze bank accounts of non-filers

The Government of Pakistan is on a mission to bring non-filers under tax net, as it is set to impose more sections under the Finance Bill 2024.

For starters, the government is set to introduce amendments to the Finance Bill 2024, which will allow them to block bank accounts of non-filers.

According to Business Recorder, the proposal was part of the original Finance Bill 2024, but was not passed at the time.

The government has now revived the plan and plans to include it in the amended version of the bill.

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) will issue an income tax general order (ITGO) listing the names of non-filers, whose bank accounts will then be blocked.

Though, they would be able to deposit their funds in their accounts, but will be prohibited from withdrawing money until they appear on the Active Taxpayers List (ATL) by filing their tax returns.

These measures are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to broaden the tax net and encourage greater tax compliance among citizens.