Massive Tax Refund Scam Detected
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has made a significant discovery in its ongoing fight against tax evasion. In a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, it was revealed that a staggering Rs800 billion in tax refunds has been fraudulently claimed over the past four months.
Backlog of Tax Cases
The meeting also highlighted a substantial backlog of tax cases. There are currently 83,579 pending cases with a total value of Rs3.2 trillion. However, the government has made progress, resolving 63 cases worth Rs44 billion.
Expanding the Tax Net
To expedite the resolution of these cases, the Prime Minister has directed an increase in the number of tax tribunals to 100. Additionally, the FBR has identified around five million potential new taxpayers, with 150,000 retailers brought into the tax net since April 1, 2024.
Government’s Commitment to Tax Reform
The government is resolute in its efforts to broaden the tax base and ensure fair tax practices. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized the importance of bringing the five million identified tax evaders into the tax net and improving collaboration with retailers to enhance tax collection efficiency.
These measures underscore the government’s commitment to combating tax evasion and creating a level playing field for all taxpayers.
