In a press conference today, Chairman Federal Board of Revenue Shabbar Zaidi announced the development of the latest web portal through which over 53 million people would be able to access their bank details, properties, utility bills, and travel data.
The portal has been made in collaboration with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA). Involvement of NADRA in tax-related matters was much critiqued as the data management authority has no legal mandate over these matters as they are out of their scope.
Shabbar Zaidi gave an explanation on the issue that involvement of NADRA is mostly regarding travel details and certain business transaction. The authority has less access over the confidential information and does not know whether the revenues used for the transactions was taxable or not. He further said that, although FBR is coordinating with NADRA but legal right related to tax is still FBR’s jurisdiction.
With the developments in this sector, FBR aims to aim to expand the tax net from 2 million to four million in the next fiscal year. Zaidi also shared that ‘agriculture-based income’ being exempted under the constitution has no impact on the compiled data, as FBR has no exact record of that income.
The portal can be accessed by anyone having a CNIC and a mobile phone number. To access, one has to send a message having your CNIC number to 9966 to receive a code for registration on the system. After the payment of Rs.500, the access would be granted using the code. Payment can be made through any debit or credit card or by e-sahulat card as well. The portal is said to be secured and does not allow access to confidential information of any other person.
Minister of State for Revenue Hammad Azhar congratulated the bureau on the achievement and commented that it could be easier to identify the tax evaders notices could be issued to them on basis of the compiled data.
