Islamabad: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has now got direct access to the Internet Protocol (IP) data of citizens in suspected tax fraud cases. This step has been made possible after the approval of the Finance Act 2025.
According to the official gazette, the act, which came into force on June 29, has added a new subsection (5) to section 38B of the Sales Tax Act 1990. Under this provision, the FBR can now directly obtain data of suspects from internet service providers, PTA, and private telecom companies.
After this amendment, the FBR will also have access to information related to online activities, social media, and online transactions of those involved in tax evasion, which is aimed at widening the tax net and preventing fraud.
Legal experts and Supreme Court lawyers have also confirmed the amendment, saying that this move will be helpful in exposing tax defaulters through digital tracking.