Islamabad: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has initiated recovery proceedings against 38 social media influencers, including YouTubers and TikTok creators, over alleged concealment of income amounting to PKR15 billion, according to tax officials.
The action has been taken by the FBR’s Lifestyle Monitoring Cell, which operates under the Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigation–Inland Revenue, following findings that showed significant discrepancies between the individuals’ declared income and their observed lifestyle and spending patterns.
Officials said intelligence advisories have been issued to relevant field formations, directing them to initiate detailed income tax audits. Notices for concealment of income are being prepared, and fresh assessments will be carried out to determine unpaid taxes, along with applicable penalties and surcharges.
In several cases, audit proceedings have already begun. Authorities are reviewing past tax years to assess the extent of undeclared earnings, unexplained assets and expenditures believed to have been financed through income not reported to tax authorities.
The monitoring cell reported that the declared income of the individuals did not align with their publicly displayed lifestyle, prompting deeper scrutiny. Investigators concluded that substantial expenditures appeared to have been funded through undisclosed sources of income.
The FBR said it would pursue recovery of outstanding tax liabilities strictly in accordance with the law and would continue to strengthen monitoring mechanisms to improve tax compliance among high-income individuals.
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