09/06/2024
On April 30 a decision was taken by the FBR to block the Cellular Network SIM Cards of 506,671 Tax Payers who did not file their tax returns for the Tax Year 2023. Cellular Companies objected the decision due to expected losses in revenue. Irrespective of the income of the Cellular Networks, do we really consider this decision as right? It’s a big question which every Tax Payer has the right to ask. We as a Taxpayers have to resist the decision of blocking SIM cards of only those who are in Tax Net because at least we are the one who are paying Taxes which are deducted at source by our employers. If due to oversight and commitments, we were unable to file a return, its not considered to be right decision to block SIM cards right away. FBR should at least wait and peruse the notices which were issued to such individuals.
If we critically examine the global system of tax payment and filing of return, we can see that all individuals who are earning something or are dependent on others have to file Tax Return. If that’s true than why the blocking of SIM cards was restricted to Tax Payers? In my personal opinion, SIM Cards of all adults holding CNIC and are not Active Tax Payers should have been blocked so that all should come in Tax Net.
The system of filing, payment and refund of over paid taxes is yet another drawback of FBR. The officers at FBR are very smart in issuing notices for not filing returns but are least interested to refund the paid taxes to those who have tax exemption being earning less then specified Tax Slab. Almost everyone is paying Tax of Mobile SIM cards and Internet usage but despite filing refund of the same after filing Income Tax Returns, FBR do not pay any heed.
In Nutshell, lots of reforms are needed to bring those in Tax Net whose earnings are more than the average salaried Tax Payer whose Mobile SIM Cards FBR is blocking. There is a need to induct honest and dedicated officers in FBR who can work for prosperity of the country. We can only pray for this miracle.
