FBR Expands Digital Tax Net, Orders POS Installation Across 14+ Sectors Nationwide

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has directed businesses across more than 14 sectors to install point-of-sale (POS) systems, significantly widening the scope of digital tax monitoring as authorities step up efforts to improve compliance and document the economy.

In an official notification, the tax authority said hospitality businesses — including hotels, restaurants, guest houses, marriage halls, marquees and race clubs — must integrate with the FBR’s online system. Non-air-conditioned facilities, however, will remain exempt under the new directive.

Major gymkhanas and private clubs in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad have also been brought under the mandatory POS regime, reflecting what officials describe as a drive to enhance transparency in high-revenue service sectors.

Healthcare, Beauty and Professional Services Included

The new enforcement sweep extends to healthcare providers, including dentists, physiotherapists, plastic and hair transplant surgeons, veterinary doctors, laboratories and diagnostic centres. Private hospitals and beauty parlours are also required to install POS systems, although hospitals charging consultation fees below Rs500 will be exempt.

Health clubs, gyms, swimming pools and polo clubs are among the recreational facilities covered under the order. Professional services — such as chartered accountants and cost and management accountants — have likewise been directed to ensure integration with the FBR’s digital platform.

Retailers, manufacturers and importers must complete full online integration with the authority’s system, reinforcing existing compliance requirements.

Education and Forex Dealers Under Watch

Foreign exchange dealers and currency exchange companies have also been included in the expanded digital tax net. Private educational institutions and vocational training centres are required to comply, though institutions charging monthly fees of up to Rs1,000 have been granted exemption.

The move marks one of the most comprehensive expansions of the FBR’s POS regime to date, as Pakistan seeks to broaden its tax base and curb under-reporting in service-oriented sectors.

Officials say the initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen revenue collection, reduce informal transactions and bring greater accountability to previously under-documented segments of the economy.