ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to issue taxpayer cards to return-filers and publish active taxpayers list on a regular basis in an attempt to encourage documentation in the country.

An official source in the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) said the need to issue cards was felt after the introduction of tax incentives for the return filers.

In the budget 2014-15, the government introduced higher tax rates for the non-filers of tax returns. In April this year, the FBR published taxpayers’ details in a directory for the first time to publicly shame defaulters.

As part of this drive, the tax authority has already issued facilitation cards to the top 400 taxpayers in four categories of taxes. On Friday, the FBR issued draft rules by authorising the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) to print and issue taxpayer cards.

Those who have filed their returns for the tax year 2013 would get these cards on their doorstep by September this year, the official said. However, these cards will be valid until February 28, 2015. As per details, the FBR might issue taxpayer card by first of March each year to a person who meets the criteria.

In the case of the returns filed after December 31, taxpayer card will be issued within 60 days of the filing of return. Moreover, a person shall be issued taxpayer card if they have filed a return under section 114 or a statement under section 115 for the tax year.

Moreover, the validity of taxpayer card will be one year, beginning on the date of issue and ending on the last day of February.

Besides, the FBR will publish active taxpayer list comprising persons who meet the criteria and shall be made available on the FBR web portal by first day of March in each financial year.

The list will be updated on the 15th of every month. A person’s name will be included in the list if they have filed a return or a statement for the tax year.

Published in Dawn, July 26th, 2014