FBR cracks down nationwide on tax-evading jewellers
In 2006-07, a 1 percent withholding tax was imposed on commercial imports of gold in the country. Photo: Express News
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has launched a nationwide operation against jewellers operating outside the tax net or paying taxes below their actual capacity.
FBR officials said notices have been issued to jewellers in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, and Multan. Out of 57,000 jewellers across the country, only 20,000 are registered, and of these, merely 10,000 have filed their tax returns, Express News reported
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In Islamabad alone, there are 50 jewellers whose tax returns do not align with the size of their shops, business transactions, or standard of living.
Thousands of other jewellers remain outside the tax net, and notices are being issued to seek explanations from them.
FBR officials clarified that no trader or industrialist would be targeted without reason, but strict action would be taken against confirmed tax evaders.
“If every citizen pays their due taxes honestly, the country’s economy can run more efficiently,” said FBR officials. The authority aims to include all sectors in the tax net to ensure a complete elimination of tax evasion.
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The crackdown comes as part of the FBR’s ongoing efforts to broaden the tax base, curb evasion, and strengthen fiscal compliance across all business sectors.