NBR plans tougher action against tax evaders

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) is planning tougher action against tax evaders to check malpractices in submitting tax return by the individual, institutions, companies and business establishments. The action would include higher penalty and strict enforcement of criminal action, an NBR official said, adding that the plan would be finalised soon to send a strong message to the errant tax payers. Citing that many other countries were already implementing similar measures, the official said the move will be a step forward in encouraging taxpayers to pay their dues and maintain an updated tax files. He said the officials and employees at the different circles and divisions of the NBR at a meeting strongly recommended increase of penalty and strict enforcement of criminal action against the tax dodgers. NBR senior member Syed Aminul Karim said the NBR has planned strengthening record management, ensuring good governance in tax administration and providing tax officials with more training to make its tax collection mechanism more efficient, according to BSS.