The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has reported a substantial increase in the number of taxpayers, adding 2,391,566 new filers to the tax system following amendments made under the Tax Laws Amendment process. This positive development was shared with the National Assembly today by Parliamentary Secretary for Finance, Saad Waseem Sheikh, during the Question Hour session.
Total Filers Exceed 6.9 Million
Sheikh informed the legislative body that as of April 29, 2025, the cumulative number of individuals and entities filing tax returns had reached 6,594,832 (which has now reached to 6.9 million). This total includes 106,118 Association of Persons (AOPs) and 93,749 companies, alongside individual taxpayers. The increase underscores the FBR’s strategic efforts aimed at broadening the tax base, a key component of its ongoing campaign to enhance tax compliance and encourage greater participation in the formal economy.
The FBR’s approach involves a combination of legal reforms, leveraging digital technologies, and conducting public awareness campaigns. These initiatives are designed to streamline the tax process, improve transparency, and ensure that a larger segment of the population and businesses meet their tax obligations, thereby contributing to government revenue and the formalization of the economy.
Mobile Sector Contributes Billions in Taxes
In response to a separate query, Sheikh also disclosed that mobile phone operators had collected a significant Rs84.25 billion in taxes from consumers between July 2024 and March 2025. These collected taxes were duly deposited into the national exchequer, highlighting the substantial role of indirect taxation and consumer contributions to national revenue.
Roshan Digital Account Initiative Thrives
Further updates included positive news regarding the Roshan Digital Account (RDA) initiative. Sheikh reported that overseas Pakistanis have now opened 805,009 RDAs since the program’s inception, with total inflows amounting to an impressive $9.98 billion. He emphasized the platform’s flexibility, noting that RDA holders can operate their accounts in 10 different foreign currencies, providing overseas Pakistanis with convenient and smooth financial access.
The FBR remains committed to its core objectives of increasing the number of active taxpayers, simplifying tax procedures, and enhancing overall transparency within the tax system. Encouraging more citizens and entities, including the large overseas Pakistani community, to become active taxpayers is a primary policy focus.
These recent developments signal a potential shift towards a broader and more equitable tax culture in Pakistan, as the FBR continues its drive to increase participation, ensure compliance, and ultimately reduce reliance on less progressive forms of taxation.
