The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has initiated a strict audit of professionals in a major move to broaden the tax net. The tax collection agency is now scrutinising high-earning individuals and businesses in major cities. Specifically, the FBR is targeting doctors, upscale beauty parlours, and the paint sector to curb tax evasion.
FBR sources have confirmed that doctors who charge high consultation fees will now face the tax net. Authorities have already started the process of issuing notices to prominent doctors in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.
In the first phase of this initiative, the Federal Board of Revenue will audit the incomes of 250 high-earning doctors. This includes 100 doctors in Karachi, 100 in Lahore, and 50 in Islamabad.
Furthermore, the crackdown extends beyond healthcare. Reportedly, upscale beauty parlours in major cities are also part of this tax drive. Similarly, sellers of expensive cosmetics will be brought into the tax system. The FBR is also targeting the paint sector, with private companies specifically coming under the radar for tax evasion.
To manage these extensive audits, the Federal Board of Revenue has secured external help. The board has engaged the services of 600 private auditors to facilitate the process across these various sectors.
Moreover, the Federal Board of Revenue plans to hire an additional 200 auditors in the coming days. In total, the FBR aims to employ 2,000 private auditors for this specific initiative. According to Federal Board of Revenue sources, these auditors must strictly maintain the confidentiality of taxpayers’ information.