ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR)Lifestyle Monitoring Cell has flagged several taxpayers exhibiting extravagant lifestyles while declaring minimal incomes. The Cell has sent detailed dossiers of additional suspected tax evaders to FBR headquarters and respective Regional Tax Offices (RTOs) for formal investigations.
Lavish Assets Contradict Declared Incomes
Several individuals flaunt immense wealth and assets on social media, contradicting their modest tax declarations. For instance, the owner of a Lahore-based fintech firm reportedly owns 30 luxury vehicles valued at Rs2.741 billion, including two Lamborghini Aventadors and a Rolls-Royce Phantom. However, none of these high-end cars were declared in his income tax returns.
FBR found major discrepancies between his declared income and actual lifestyle. Registered with the FBR in 2019, the taxpayer revised returns multiple times, raising declared income from Rs523,493 in 2019 to Rs181.14 million in 2025. His revised filings also showed massive increases in cash holdings, gold, and assets, despite no clear source of agricultural or external income.
Influencers Under Tax Scrutiny
A travel influencer from Lahore who visited over 25 countries between 2021 and 2025 declared incomes between Rs442,046 and Rs3.79 million. Similarly, a model and social media influencer from Islamabad, owner of Zari Zam Jewellery, showcased luxury brands such as Dior, Gucci, and Rolex while declaring incomes between Rs3.5 million and Rs5.49 million.
Efforts to Bridge Revenue Gap
FBR’s crackdown comes as the department struggles to meet its annual tax collection target of Rs14.13 trillion. The Board faces a shortfall of Rs274 billion in the first four months of the fiscal year. The monitoring drive aims to expose hidden wealth and enforce compliance among high-profile individuals.
