Islamabad 17 July: The Punjab Assembly’s committee has approved a new bill that encourages citizens to help the government catch property tax evaders.
Under the proposed law, anyone who reports illegal property tax evasion will receive 20% of the recovered amount as a reward. This applies to both regular citizens and excise department employees.
The bill also includes:
- Strict fines equal to the evaded tax amount for those caught.
- Confidentiality for whistleblowers to protect their identity.
- Departmental action against any officer who fails to act on tax recovery.
According to the proposed legislation, any person who provides credible information leading to the detection of property tax evasion will be recognised as a “whistle blower” and entitled to a monetary reward.
READ MORE: Punjab Expands Property Tax to Housing Societies
The bill seeks to encourage public participation in strengthening the province’s tax regime, which has long suffered from loopholes and under reporting.
Officials of the Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department who identify and take action against tax evasion will also be eligible for incentives under the amended law.
A key provision of the bill states that in instances where tax evasion is proven, the Collector concerned will determine which officer was responsible for the oversight or failure to act.
