FBR & Nadra to Launch Mobile App for Biometric Verification | Easy Tax Filing for Overseas Pakistanis

FBR and Nadra Urged to Launch Mobile App for Biometric Verification of Sales Tax Registrants

ISLAMABAD: The Lahore Tax Bar Association (LTBA) has recommended that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), in collaboration with the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra), develop a secure mobile application for biometric verification of sales tax-registered individuals.

In a formal letter to the FBR Chairman, the LTBA emphasized that the current biometric verification system, mandated under SRO 350(1)/2024, poses significant challenges for certain categories of taxpayers and called for a digital solution that aligns with FBR’s focus on modernization and taxpayer facilitation.

Currently, biometric verification for sales tax registration and the annual biometric requirement is only conducted through Nadra’s physical centers. While this system works for most residents, it creates obstacles for:

1. Individuals living or traveling abroad temporarily.

2. Taxpayers in remote or underdeveloped regions.

3. Elderly or physically challenged individuals who cannot easily access Nadra facilities.

The absence of a remote verification option prevents these taxpayers from completing their registration or annual biometric requirements despite their willingness to comply. This leads to delays in business operations, sales tax return filings, and discourages new entrants from joining the tax system. Key challenges highlighted include the lack of remote verification for overseas Pakistanis and delays in registration activation and tax filing.

To address these issues, the LTBA proposed that FBR, working alongside Nadra, should launch a secure mobile application capable of performing biometric verification using technologies like facial recognition or fingerprint scanning via smartphones. This app would ensure secure integration between FBR and Nadra systems.

Potential Benefits:

• Simplified registration process, especially for overseas Pakistanis and residents in remote areas.

• Faster verification, reducing delays in registration and sales tax filing.

• Increased taxpayer compliance and expanded tax base.

• Strengthened alignment with FBR’s digital transformation and automation initiatives.

The LTBA believes this initiative would significantly improve the accessibility, efficiency, and inclusivity of the FBR’s registration system, making it easier for taxpayers to file returns while supporting enhanced revenue collection.