Islamabad: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced its decision to amend the country’s taxation laws as part of its efforts to penalise non-filers, a news source reported. Following a non-satisfactory compliance in filing tax returns from industrial and commercial consumers, the board has decided to amend the existing laws in order to cut off their utilities’ connections; starting from next month (January 2020) onwards.
According to details, in the last six months, the power distribution companies had been unable to convince the industrial and commercial consumers to file their tax returns for the Tax Year 2019. He added that in the wake of this issue, the taxation agency had decided to amend laws for disconnecting gas and electricity connections of these consumers.
FBR Chairman Shabbar Zaidi recently stated that the board had decided to identify non-compliant consumers by physically visiting the sites. He added that they had directed all field formations to expedite the process.
Under Section 181AA of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001, all industrial and commercial connection holders should get themselves registered with the FBR. The section also clarifies that the government departments would not approve applications for utility connection unless the applicants get themselves registered with the taxation authority.
The federal institution recently extended the deadline for filing tax return/statements from November 30 to December 16. Zaidi has advised non-compliant consumers to avail the provided extension for filing their tax returns.
