The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has ramped up its crackdown on tax evasion, sealing five high-profile restaurants in Islamabad for issuing fraudulent invoices and receipts. This action follows consumer complaints indicating irregularities in billing practices at these establishments.
As part of its broader initiative to integrate Tier-1 retailers and restaurants into the tax system, FBR is utilizing a Point of Sale (POS) invoicing framework. Investigations using POS tracking software revealed discrepancies in receipts issued by these businesses. A team from the Regional Tax Office (RTO) Islamabad, led by the Deputy Commissioner, confirmed the violations, resulting in the sealing of the restaurants and a collective penalty of Rs. 1.5 million.
To encourage public participation in identifying tax fraud, FBR has launched the Point of Sales Prize Scheme, effective October 25. Initially rolled out in Islamabad, the program targets Tier-1 restaurants, with plans to extend to all Tier-1 retailers nationwide by month’s end.
Through this initiative, citizens can report counterfeit receipts via the Tax Asaan app and earn cash rewards. Verified reports will lead to cash prizes being directly transferred to winners’ bank accounts, while offending restaurants will face closure.
FBR’s intensified measures are aimed at eradicating the culture of fake invoicing, ensuring greater tax compliance, and safeguarding national revenue. The authority remains committed to strict enforcement of tax regulations to maintain financial transparency.
