New digital model to reduce tax officer contact with taxpayers, pilot planned for October.
Image: Profit By Pakistan Today
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) will launch a faceless tax system in October to reduce direct interaction between taxpayers and tax officials and curb alleged harassment.
FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial told the National Assembly Standing Committee that the new model aims to “create a blind” between taxpayers and taxmen to prevent misuse of sensitive financial data.
He said frequent physical interaction has enabled collusion and misuse, while the new system will rely on digital risk-based identification and automated case handling.
Under the plan, cases flagged by the system will be processed through separate audit and assessment wings, with e-hearings replacing in-person meetings wherever possible.
Officials said the model will be rolled out in phases over three years, with a pilot project starting in October to test system-based enforcement.
The FBR also highlighted large-scale underreporting in bank deposits and property transactions, saying stronger digital monitoring will improve compliance and reduce tax evasion.
