Non-filers will pay 75% mobile phone call tax

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Wednesday presented the federal budget with a total outlay of Rs18.9 trillion.

In the budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2024-25, the government has proposed a series of strict measures against the non-filers.

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has imposed a hefty 75% tax on mobile phone calls on tax evaders.

On the other hand, PM Shehbaz-led government is also considering amending Section 114B of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 to bar non-filers from travelling abroad.

“[A] citizen of Pakistan who is liable to file tax returns but doesn’t do so can be stopped from travelling abroad if the proposal is passed by the parliament," the finance bill read.

However, the ban would not impact the National Identity Card for Overseas Pakis­tanis holders, minors and students.

The tax body has already started a crackdown against non-filers through the Income Tax Ordinance by blocking their SIMs.

The FBR also warned of imposing a penalty of up to Rs200 million if any implementing agencies neglect the orders.