LAHORE: The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) has conducted enforcement operations in Lahore and Rawalpindi against businesses found involved in manipulation of sales records and violations of provincial sales tax laws.
According to PRA officials, inspection teams in Lahore examined the records of five well-known coffee shops located in upscale localities. During the inspections, authorities detected serious irregularities and deliberate manipulation of Point of Sale (POS) data, prompting the imposition of fines totaling Rs. 7 million.
The PRA stated that enforcement action was taken after businesses failed to comply with earlier directives and following confirmation of tampering with sales records captured through POS systems.
Action Taken in Rawalpindi
In Rawalpindi, PRA teams sealed the offices of several builders for non-payment of sales tax on services. In addition, notices were issued to 25 business outlets for failing to deposit sales tax collected from consumers into the government treasury.
The authority emphasised that collecting sales tax from customers and not depositing it into the national exchequer constitutes a serious legal offence, punishable under applicable laws.
Warning to Businesses and Advice to Consumers
The PRA reiterated its commitment to enforcing sales tax compliance and warned that strict action will continue against businesses found evading taxes or manipulating electronic sales records.
Consumers were also advised to always demand an e-bill or computerised receipt after making payments to ensure transparency and help curb tax evasion.
The enforcement drive forms part of the PRA’s broader efforts to strengthen tax compliance, improve documentation of the economy, and protect government revenue.
