FBR Increases AI Monitoring of Tax Returns

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has expanded its use of artificial intelligence and data analytics to check tax declarations and identify discrepancies. Under the system, tax returns will be compared with information from different government and other sources, including property transactions, bank records, vehicle registrations and travel data. The AI system will also compare taxpayers with similar profiles to identify unusual patterns or inconsistencies in their declarations. FBR said the system was initially tested on selected income tax and sales tax returns. It has now been extended to Income Tax Returns for Tax Year 2026 and subsequent sales tax returns. An AI-generated risk flag will not automatically mean that a taxpayer has committed tax evasion or fraud. Instead, cases flagged by the system may be selected for further examination, audit or assessment proceedings under the applicable law. The initiative will also complement the National Faceless Center (NFC) established in Islamabad, which will use computerized risk-based systems to select and allocate audit cases. FBR said the approach is intended to reduce discretionary intervention and bring greater consistency and transparency to the audit process.