The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) has decided to strengthen digital monitoring and activate its vigilance wing. The move follows reports of tax evasion involving digital payments and fake receipts.
PRA Chairman Muazzam Iqbal Sipra warned that strict action would be taken against businesses violating digital payment requirements. The warning applies to local and international food chains, restaurants, and coffee shops that refuse to accept digital payments.
The authority aims to improve tax compliance and prevent businesses from manipulating their financial records. Officials have also been directed to strengthen monitoring and enforcement activities across the province.
PRA Makes Digital Payment Compliance a Priority
Chairman Muazzam Iqbal Sipra said businesses must receive digital payments through their officially declared accounts. This requirement is intended to prevent the manipulation of transaction records and improve transparency.
He also directed officials to make QR codes mandatory on receipts generated through the Electronic Invoice Monitoring System (EIMS). The codes will allow customers and authorities to verify receipts immediately.
The measures are designed to improve the tracking of business transactions. They will also help authorities identify irregularities in electronic invoices and tax records.
The chairman issued these instructions during a meeting reviewing the performance of enforcement teams. He also directed the PRA commissioner for the Lahore Division to speed up field operations.
The authority plans to strengthen oversight of businesses and ensure compliance with applicable tax laws. Digital monitoring and field inspections will play important roles in these efforts.
More Than 70 Restaurants Receive Notices
The PRA has issued notices to more than 70 restaurants following complaints received through social media. The complaints prompted the authority to take action and review possible violations.
The authority is focusing on businesses that may be involved in tax evasion or improper receipt management. Officials are expected to monitor compliance with digital payment and electronic invoicing requirements.
Sipra emphasized that businesses have a legal and ethical responsibility to deposit taxes collected from customers. These amounts must be transferred to the government according to applicable requirements.
He warned that businesses could face heavy fines if they collect taxes fraudulently but fail to deposit them. The authority intends to take strict action against such practices.
Vigilance Wing to Strengthen Enforcement
The decision to activate the vigilance wing is part of the PRA’s wider enforcement efforts. Stronger monitoring is expected to help officials identify irregularities and improve compliance among businesses.
The authority is also seeking greater transparency in digital transactions. Mandatory QR codes on electronic receipts could make verification easier for customers and enforcement teams.
Restaurants, food chains, and coffee shops have been advised to follow the applicable rules. Businesses must use their officially declared accounts for digital payments and maintain proper transaction records.
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The PRA’s latest measures highlight the authority’s focus on digital monitoring and tax collection. Further enforcement action may follow as officials review complaints and examine business compliance across Punjab.
