Non-Filers To Pay More Taxes On Mobile Recharge & Bundles

The federal government of Pakistan has decided to impose an additional tax on non-filers. Now, they will have to pay ‘more taxes’ on mobile recharge and bundles. According to the latest reports, FBR devised a plan against non-filers which will probably be implemented from May 15. The Shehbaz-led government will impose a 2.5% additional tax as well as withholding on non-filers.

Govt Imposes Additional Taxes on Pakistan Non-Filers

It is pertinent to mention that an additional tax will be levied on every recharge and mobile/data load. The data of non-filers was handed over to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). According to the sources privy to the development, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has also decided to move to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against the PTA and cellular mobile companies as they refused to block sims of the non-filers. Moreover, the FBR has already begun consulting with its legal team to file the petition. It is worth mentioning that earlier negotiations between the FBR and cellular mobile companies regarding blocking SIM cards had already failed.

For people who are unaware, the PTA opposed the blocking of sim cards of over 500,000 tax non-filers earlier on May 4. The authority stated in a letter to FBR that blocking these SIMs would not be in line with their system. Moreover, the PTA highlighted that a large number of women use mobile SIMs registered against men’s names. No restrictions are being imposed on the issuance of new SIMs to non-filers according to PTA.

The telecommunication authority also questioned the process of SIM card restoration for those who come under the tax net. Furthermore, the PTA clarified that they are not legally bound to block SIMs as it would also harm digitalization and the telecom economy of Pakistan.

Check Out: GSMA Opposes Blocking SIMs of non Filers – PhoneWorld