Islamabad: Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has launched a sweeping tax audit campaign aimed at widening the country’s tax net, placing high-fee doctors, luxury beauty salons and premium cosmetics businesses in major cities under closer scrutiny.
Major Cities Selected for Initial Audit
According to officials familiar with the development, the first phase of the drive will focus on Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. FBR has begun issuing audit notices to upscale beauty salons and doctors charging high consultation fees. As part of the plan, authorities will review the income records of 250 doctors including 100 each in Karachi and Lahore, and 50 in the capital.
Beauty Salons, Aesthetic Clinics Mapped
Sources said the tax authority has already compiled detailed information on beauty salons and aesthetic clinics, including their locations, brand profiles and operational data. Authorities will use the information to determine their tax liabilities and bring them formally into the tax net.
FBR Eyes Cosmetics and Paint Sector
In addition to healthcare and beauty businesses, the FBR is also preparing to audit companies in the paint sector in an effort to curb alleged tax evasion. Officials say the authority aims to expand its oversight across multiple professional and commercial segments over the coming months.
Private Auditors Brought On Board
To support the expanded audit workload, the FBR has hired 600 private auditors and expects to induct another 200 in the coming days. The tax body ultimately plans to engage as many as 2,000 private auditors nationwide. All external auditors will be legally bound to maintain strict confidentiality of taxpayer information to ensure data security.
Broader Push to Expand Tax Base
The new campaign marks one of FBR’s most extensive efforts in recent years to document high-income professionals and businesses often operating outside the formal tax system. Officials say the drive reflects the government’s broader push to boost revenue by targeting sectors with significant earning potential but low documented compliance.
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