PRA to strengthen digital monitoring against tax evasion

LAHORE, Oct 12 (APP): Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) here Monday decided to further strengthen its Vigilance Wing alongside digital monitoring to curb tax evasion through digital payment transactions and the issuance of fake receipts.

A review meeting on the performance of enforcement teams was held under the chairmanship of PRA Chairman Moazzam Iqbal Sipra, during which the Commissioner PRA Lahore Division was directed to further intensify field operations.

The meeting also directed the immediate examination of complaints received through social media. Notices have been issued to more than 70 restaurants over alleged violations.

PRA Chairman Moazzam Iqbal Sipra stated that strict action would be taken against local and international food chains and coffee shops refusing to accept digital payments.

To prevent record manipulation, digital payments must be made only to the bank accounts officially declared by the companies, he added.

The Chairman further directed that QR codes be made mandatory on receipts issued through the Electronic Invoice Monitoring System (E-IMS) to enable immediate verification.

He emphasized that the transparent deposit of taxes collected from the public is both a legal and moral obligation. He warned that heavy penalties would be imposed on those who collect taxes from customers through fraudulent practices but fail to deposit the amounts with the authority.