FBR issues stern warning to IR field formations

Islamabad: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has sternly cautioned Inland Revenue field formations against harassing taxpayers. The agency has instructed them to only verify if the necessary retail price is printed or embossed on specified goods from the Third Schedule of the Sales Tax Act. The FBR emphasized adherence to a new procedure for checking goods in transit to facilitate uninterrupted movement.

However, only the specified goods are to be checked for the accurate printing of the retail price, and appropriate action will be taken if they are not compliant.

The FBR cautioned that taxpayers will not be subjected to harassment and any deviation from the guidelines will be taken seriously. Per a Monday notification, all field formations must strictly follow the new instructions during transit checks. To avoid taxpayer harassment, the FBR instructed field formations to observe the transit-checking procedure and not demand the driver's CNIC or any document other than the applicable digital invoice or Stock Transfer Note. Vehicles carrying goods must not be diverted or detained at unauthorized premises.

The order also mentioned that goods in transit should not be subjected to regular physical checking, examination, or unloading. Failure to issue a digital invoice is to be handled separately under relevant provisions and will not, in itself, justify vehicle or goods detention.