Six-month property purchase ban: FBR waives Rs25,000 surcharge for non-filers

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued a new undertaking (Form ATL-U) for non-filer individuals to become active taxpayers without paying a Rs 25,000 surcharge, provided they commit not to purchase property for the next six months.

The FBR issued an SRO.2097(i)/2026 on Tuesday to amend the Income Tax Rules 2022.

Earlier, a draft of the scheme was issued on October 6, 2026 through an SRO.1619(I)/2026.

The undertaking, to be submitted by late filers, is that they would declare that for a period of six months commencing from the date of furnishing this undertaking, they shall not purchase, acquire, or otherwise obtain ownership or beneficial interest in any property. The benefit of non-payment of surcharge is conditional upon compliance with this undertaking.

The FBR will include the names of individuals in the Active Taxpayers’ List (ATL), without payment of Rs 25,000 surcharge, etc., who would file income tax returns after the due date or extended due date, but also submit undertakings of not purchasing properties during the next six-month period.

According to the new rule, where an individual files a return of income for the latest tax period after the due date or extended due date and furnishes, through [RIS. an undertaking under sub-section (3) of section l82Ain Form ATL-U set out in Part XV of the First Schedule, his name shall be included in the Active Taxpayers’ List without payment of the surcharge specified.

The six-month period shall commence on the date shown on the electronic acknowledgement issued by IRIS on successful furnishing of Form ATL-U.

The Board may verify compliance with the undertaking from information available under the Ordinance or received from any authority, agency, registry, financial institution or other lawful source. Where information indicates that the individual has. during the period of the undertaking, purchased, acquired or otherwise obtained ownership or beneficial interest in any property, the individual shall be provided an electronic opportunity of being heard and, if the breach is established, the benefit under sub-rule (2B) shall stand withdrawn from the date of breach and his inclusion in the Active Taxpayers’ List shall thereafter be governed by sub-rule (2A).

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026