ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has proposed the establishment of a “National Faceless Center” under the Finance Bill 2026-27, aimed at keeping the identity of tax officials confidential in tax-related proceedings.
According to the proposals presented in the Finance Bill, taxpayer cases will be assigned to officers through an automated system, significantly reducing direct human interaction between tax officials and taxpayers. The FBR has also proposed the introduction of a faceless audit and assessment system, under which most tax processes will be conducted through electronic means.
Under the proposed framework, tax-related actions will be processed digitally, and orders issued by officers working in the faceless system will not be challengeable on the basis of identity. However, physical verification of businesses, assets, and investments will continue where required.
The FBR has also proposed granting powers to conduct re-audits of business records. A new provision would allow commissioners to order reassessment of accounts under specific circumstances, particularly where discrepancies are suspected in financial records. Such re-audits would require approval from the chief commissioner, while registered taxpayers would be given a full opportunity to present their stance.
The Finance Bill further proposes allowing revaluation of inventories of registered persons. Under this system, taxpayers may be required to have stock valuation reassessed through a cost accountant, while auditors from an approved FBR panel would conduct the verification process. Commissioners would also be empowered to seek detailed explanations from registered taxpayers regarding their financial records.
