FBR Can now avail Tax IP Payer data from PTA and Telecom

FBR can now request taxpayer data from PTA and the telecom sector in Pakistan via the commissioner to request to obtain taxpayer data. It is reported that now FBR can ask PTA or any telecommunication company in Pakistan to give taxpayers data regarding Internet protocol regarding sale tax fraud investigation. It is mentioned in Section 38B of the Sales Tax Act that now the commissioner can ask any internet authority in Pakistan to hand over taxpayer data to the FBR, as it will help to investigate sales tax fraud.

This section introduced by FBR is causing a concern for the business community as well as taxpayers; it will violate the privacy, and it will increase the harassment by FBR. It is reported that the business community has rejected these amendments, as it is a matter of privacy concern for the taxpayer. It is reported that the business community has reached out to the FBR and documented their concern for these kinds of amendments. However, it is said that the government of Pakistan has clarified that the act is to identify personal sales tax fraud.

Moreover, some experts said that it was very important for the FBR to track and trace smuggling, which will be helped by this act, and it is also important for the FBR to implement these sections fairly and ensure that honest taxpayers are not harassed or mistreated by these sections or amendments.