Non-Filers to Explain Before Facing Travel Restrictions
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, announced on Tuesday that individuals who do not file income tax returns will be given an opportunity to explain their situation before being barred from traveling abroad.
During his address in the National Assembly, the minister stated that, according to Section 116 of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001, an explanation must be provided in the declaration of foreign assets, including assets of a dependent spouse.
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Additionally, the minister mentioned that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) will evaluate if a non-filer has a habit of filing late returns and will impose fines accordingly.
He emphasized that if a non-filer fails to submit their income tax return by the due date even once, the penalty amount will be increased.
The minister highlighted that, to strengthen tax enforcement, the federal government has proposed a measure to prevent non-filers from traveling abroad.