The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has expedited its data-sharing processes with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), resulting in a doubling of the number of tax filers, sources told Raised By Numbers.

This initiative aligns with the federal government’s ambitious target to increase the tax-to-GDP ratio to 13.7 percent as part of the ongoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) program.

FBR sources revealed that efforts are underway to enhance data sharing with provincial revenue authorities. This improved collaboration aims to track taxpayers’ expenses, including property ownership, bank balances, and foreign travel. Additionally, the government plans to align taxes on agricultural income with existing income and corporate tax structures, with provinces expected to start collecting agricultural taxes in the next financial year.

To support these efforts, a high-level technical committee has been established, comprising officials from NADRA and FBR. The committee is led by NADRA Chairman Lt. Gen. Muhammad Munir, who is tasked with developing a plan to register new taxpayers. Senior FBR officials, including the CEO of Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited and two senior officers, are part of the committee, which is closely examining taxpayers’ actual income to enhance the tax system’s efficiency.

Furthermore, FBR will be linked to the State Bank of Pakistan and commercial banks to streamline data-sharing processes, further improving the effectiveness of tax collection and compliance.