The Punjab Excise & Taxation Department has launched a robust crackdown on property tax defaulters, coupled with strict measures to hold its own officers accountable for achieving tax recovery targets. This dual approach aims to eliminate financial losses caused by persistent evasion and ensure efficient revenue collection.
Punjab Director General Excise & Taxation, Umar Sher Chatha, announced that the department is committed to recovering outstanding property taxes while simultaneously addressing internal performance issues. “We are not only targeting tax evaders but also ensuring that our officers are held responsible for meeting their targets,” stated Chatha in a press release.
Accountability for Officials:
To streamline the recovery process, a comprehensive performance review of taxation officers across Punjab is underway.1 Underperforming officers will receive show-cause notices, and if their performance does not improve, they will face salary deductions, culminating in potential dismissal by the end of the year.2 This stringent measure underscores the department’s commitment to efficiency and accountability.
Ambitious Targets and Enforcement:
The Punjab Excise & Taxation Department has set a target of Rs28 billion in property tax collection. To achieve this, rigorous enforcement measures are being implemented, with ETO Operations directly overseeing the recovery process. This oversight ensures transparency and strict accountability.
Crackdown Results and De-Sealing Process:
In the past 12 days, the department has sealed 12,000 properties in Lahore, linked to defaulters owing Rs860 million.3 Across Punjab, over 38,000 properties with outstanding dues totaling Rs1.5 billion have been sealed.
However, many properties are being swiftly de-sealed upon payment.4 In Lahore, 3,600 properties were de-sealed after recoveries of Rs110 million, while across Punjab, 11,000 properties were restored after owners cleared outstanding dues amounting to Rs830 million.5
Stern Warning and Zero Tolerance:
DG Excise Umar Sher Chatha issued a clear warning to both defaulters and officers, emphasizing that no official has the authority to illegally de-seal properties without proper tax payments.6 The department is committed to maintaining financial discipline and ensuring that all tax defaulters face strict action without favoritism.
Impact on Taxpayers:
This crackdown signals a significant shift towards stricter enforcement of property tax laws in Punjab. Taxpayers are strongly advised to ensure timely payment of their dues to avoid property sealing and potential legal consequences. The department’s focus on internal accountability also aims to improve the efficiency and transparency of the tax collection process, ultimately benefiting compliant taxpayers.
Conclusion:
The Punjab Excise & Taxation Department’s intensified efforts to recover property taxes and hold officials accountable reflect a commitment to strengthening the province’s financial system. This dual approach aims to create a more equitable and efficient tax environment, ensuring that all stakeholders contribute their fair share.
