LAHORE: Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) on Thursday imposed heavy fines on five major hotels, including three five star ones, for not implementing the Electronic Invoice Management System (EMIS) fully.

The authority took the action after management of the hotels failed to comply with the instructions related to installation of the system in letter and spirit.

“In fact some major hotels have installed the system and integrated the data related to the operation (sale) of the dining services. But they are not sharing the data related to rooms rent, services etc which is considered to be major revenue, thus evading tax,” an official source in the PRA said while talking to Dawn on Thursday.

He said the notices concerning payment of fines (Rs100,000 each) were served on the hotels after they failed to give compliance voluntarily.

According to him, if the hotels didn’t implement the system even after payment of fines, they would be fined more heavily. And even after they failed to do so, their premises would be sealed after approval from the Punjab government.

Meanwhile, according to a press release, the authority has commenced imposing heavy fines on businesses failing to install the EIMS.

“These hotels have been granted one-month period to complete the installation of the system,” the spokesman said.

The PRA has warned that failure to meet this deadline will result in double fines. Despite numerous reminders and awareness sessions, several establishments have yet to comply with the installation requirements. Show-cause notices have already been issued to those in violation. Additionally, restaurants that have installed the system but are not issuing receipts have been cautioned.

“All restaurants with an annual income of Rs6 million or more are required to implement the invoice system,” she said.

Published in Dawn, September 13th, 2024