Mohsin Siddiqui (Chief Reporter)
The Regional Tax Office (RTO) Rawalpindi, under the leadership of Chief Commissioner Inland Revenue (IR) Tehmina Aamer, has ramped up its campaign against tax evasion and non-compliance, achieving remarkable outcomes in December 2024. These initiatives underscore the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) commitment to promoting fair taxation and curbing illicit trade practices.
In a significant enforcement action, the Inland Revenue Enforcement Network (IREN) team of RTO Rawalpindi confiscated 1,397 cartons of non-duty paid cigarettes. These contraband items, valued at Rs. 124.47 million, were linked to unpaid sales tax and federal excise duties (FED) amounting to Rs. 95.79 million. By seizing these goods, the RTO has prevented substantial tax evasion, safeguarding national revenue and demonstrating its dedication to combating illicit trade.
The seized cigarettes have been domesticated for further investigation and necessary legal actions. This operation highlights the proactive measures taken by RTO Rawalpindi to ensure compliance with tax regulations and deter illegal activities.
Beyond the crackdown on non-duty paid cigarettes, the IREN team intercepted and confiscated several third-schedule goods. These included items like tiles, batteries, marble, and bottled water, which were being transported in violation of the Sales Tax Act. The enforcement action led to the recovery of Rs. 2.7 million during December 2024.
This operation underscores the vigilance of the RTO in monitoring the movement of taxable goods and ensuring strict adherence to sales tax regulations. Such actions contribute to fostering a culture of compliance among businesses and traders.
The RTO Rawalpindi also took stringent measures against retailers failing to comply with Point-of-Sale (POS) invoice issuance requirements. As part of this initiative, around 20 shops were sealed during December 2024. These actions resulted in the recovery of Rs. 10 million in penalties, sending a strong message about the consequences of non-compliance.
The enforcement of POS regulations ensures transparency in retail transactions and contributes to the accurate documentation of sales, thereby boosting revenue collection.
Chief Commissioner Inland Revenue Tehmina Aamer commended the efforts of the RTO Rawalpindi staff for their unwavering commitment to enforcing tax laws. She emphasized the importance of maintaining strict enforcement measures to enhance tax compliance and curb evasion.
Tehmina Aamer reiterated the FBR’s resolve to uphold the integrity of the Inland Revenue Service and ensure fair taxation practices. She highlighted that these actions not only protect national revenue but also create a level playing field for compliant taxpayers.
The recent enforcement actions by RTO Rawalpindi reflect a proactive and determined approach to safeguarding national revenue. By addressing tax evasion and illegal trade practices, the office is contributing significantly to the country’s economic stability. These efforts also align with the broader goals of promoting fairness and accountability within the taxation system.
