Balochistan launches drive against tax evasion in health sector

QUETTA: The Balochistan Revenue Authority (BRA) has started a special campaign to enforce the Balochistan Sales Tax on Services Act, 2015, with a particular focus on the health sector.

According to the authority, the initiative is intended to improve compliance with tax laws, promote transparency and encourage responsible citizenship, with the broader aim of increasing provincial resources for the welfare of the people of Balochistan.

The BRA said it has stepped up action against institutions involved in tax evasion or the non-payment of dues. In the first phase of the campaign, the authority reported non-compliance by Mazhar X-Ray, Chughtai Lab, Dow University of Health Sciences, Body Expert, Shifa International Lab, Taba Heart Institute Medical Centre, and Ashraf X-Ray and Imaging Centre.

Health service providers directed to comply

The authority has instructed all laboratory owners and health service providers to complete their registration with the BRA without delay, file returns within the prescribed time and ensure payment of taxes.

The campaign is being carried out under the Balochistan Sales Tax on Services Act, 2015, which the authority said it is seeking to implement more effectively in the sector.

The BRA also warned that institutions and service providers found violating the law would face penalties and legal proceedings under the BSTS Act 2015.

The authority said the move forms part of efforts to strengthen implementation of tax laws in the province and improve collection of dues from service providers operating in the health sector.

It said the campaign is aimed at ensuring that entities covered under the law meet their obligations through registration, timely submission of returns and payment of applicable taxes.

The BRA further maintained that better compliance and transparency would help raise provincial funds, which could then be used for public welfare in Balochistan.

With the first phase now under way, the authority has identified a number of laboratories, imaging centres and medical service providers for non-compliance and has signalled that enforcement action will continue as part of the campaign.