Web Desk: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is preparing a large-scale enforcement drive against tax non-filers who display lavish lifestyles on social media while failing to declare income in line with visible spending patterns, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The campaign will begin from October 1 in the next fiscal year, but monitoring of social media activity is expected to start earlier, running from July 1 to September 30. During this period, a dedicated FBR team will review online content to identify individuals whose visible assets and spending appear inconsistent with their tax filings.
Authorities said the objective is to compile data-driven profiles of potential tax evaders before formal proceedings begin.
According to sources, the FBR is already building lists of individuals who showcase high-value assets online but have not filed income tax returns. The review will focus on posts featuring luxury vehicles, high-end motorcycles, yachts, expensive residences, farmhouses, designer clothing, jewellery, and premium watches.
In addition, officials said extravagant spending at weddings, musical gatherings, qawwali events, and similar celebrations particularly where cash is openly displayed will also be examined.
Sources said the tax authority has obtained extensive datasets with assistance from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), helping it cross-check identities and financial profiles.
The FBR has also reportedly accessed information on spending behaviour, bank card usage, ATM transactions, and international travel histories of individuals suspected of underreporting income while maintaining visible luxury lifestyles online.
Officials said this information will be used to assess discrepancies between declared income and observed expenditure patterns.
Authorities are expected to initiate formal action after September 30, which is the deadline for filing income tax returns. No extension is currently being considered, according to sources.
From October 1, identified individuals may receive official notices and could face further investigation or enforcement measures if they remain non-compliant
Officials said the monitoring will also extend to individuals frequently posting from luxury hotels and high-end restaurants. Such activity may trigger scrutiny if those individuals are not registered tax filers.
The FBR’s move comes amid broader efforts to widen the tax base and improve compliance through data integration and digital monitoring tools.
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