HYDERABAD: The Regional Tax Office (RTO) Hyderabad on Wednesday took decisive action against tax fraud by sealing three branches of a well-known bakery in Hyderabad for issuing fake invoices.
According to details, on the directives of Chief Commissioner Inland Revenue Qazi Hifz-ur-Rehman and Commissioner Naib Ali Pathan, the Point of Sale (POS) team of the RTO Hyderabad conducted an operation, sealing three branches of the bakery. Authorities found the establishment involved in issuing forged, fake, unstamped, and non-QR coded receipts, violating sales tax regulations.
This fraudulent practice had reportedly been ongoing for an extended period despite multiple warnings. Exercising the powers conferred under Section 33 of the Sales Tax Act, 1990, read with Rule 150ZEO of the Sales Tax Rules, 2006, the authorities sealed the bakery’s premises in Hyderabad to curb further tax evasion.
A day earlier, the Large Taxpayers Office (LTO) Karachi had taken a similar step by sealing an outlet of Zelbury, a prominent online fashion shopping platform, for issuing unverified sales tax invoices. These consecutive actions underscore the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) commitment to ensuring tax compliance across various business sectors, including those operating in Hyderabad.
The crackdown on non-compliant businesses in Hyderabad is part of a broader initiative by the FBR to prevent tax evasion. The tax authorities have launched an extensive campaign against retailers violating POS regulations to curb revenue losses. The enforcement measures in Hyderabad highlight the urgency of strict adherence to tax laws among businesses.
This latest enforcement move by RTO Hyderabad sends a strong message to retailers and large taxpayers alike. Authorities have emphasized that failure to comply with sales tax regulations will result in stringent legal consequences. Businesses in Hyderabad are urged to align with tax requirements to avoid punitive actions, as tax compliance remains a top priority for the FBR.
With Hyderabad emerging as a key commercial hub, tax authorities remain vigilant in ensuring businesses fulfill their tax obligations. The crackdown serves as a warning to all enterprises in Hyderabad to operate transparently and adhere to tax laws, reinforcing the government’s stance against tax fraud and revenue leakages.
