Islamabad: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial has urged taxpayers to abandon outdated tax filing practices, saying the country’s tax system has been fundamentally transformed through artificial intelligence (AI) and digital reforms that have significantly strengthened scrutiny and enforcement.
Speaking at a dinner hosted by the Businessman Panel Progressive (BMPP), the FBR chairman advised businesses and individual taxpayers to consult qualified tax professionals before filing their income tax returns and rely only on lawful guidance within the legal framework.
Mr Langrial said taxpayers could no longer assume that inaccurate declarations or underreporting of income would go undetected, as the FBR now has the capability to automatically review every tax return using advanced digital tools.
He said the integration of third-party data, adoption of AI and induction of private-sector professionals had strengthened the tax authority’s monitoring capabilities, while the transition to a faceless tax administration had reduced the influence of personal contacts and recommendations in tax matters.
The FBR chairman warned that taxpayers who continued to follow outdated filing practices during the current tax season could face significant financial consequences. He urged individuals and businesses to complete their tax affairs transparently and submit returns well before the prescribed deadlines.
Mr Langrial said documenting the economy required businesses to purchase goods and services only from registered companies and individuals, adding that the measure would improve transparency and help broaden the country’s tax base.
He also said the FBR was considering various proposals to address delays in tax refunds to improve businesses’ cash flow and reaffirmed the tax authority’s commitment to building a transparent, technology-driven tax system aimed at strengthening revenue collection and supporting economic stability.
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