Islamabad, February 16, 2025 – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has reported a significant 53% surge in tax collection from the salaried class during the first seven months (July–January) of the fiscal year 2024-25. According to provisional figures released by the FBR, the tax collection from the salaried class increased to Rs 284.22 billion during this period, compared to Rs 185.50 billion in the corresponding months of the previous fiscal year. FBR officials attributed this remarkable growth to the improved monitoring of withholding taxes and the amendments introduced through the Finance Act, 2024. The revised regulations have strengthened compliance measures and minimized loopholes, resulting in higher revenue inflows. In a strategic move to enhance tax compliance and combat financial irregularities, the FBR has launched a comprehensive crackdown on excessive withholding tax (WHT) deductions. The authority has identified discrepancies amounting to Rs 200 billion in withholding tax claims. Sources within the FBR disclosed that an intensive investigation revealed significant anomalies in withholding tax payment claims in annual income tax returns, filed under various provisions of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001. This discovery has prompted the FBR to intensify its enforcement actions against entities and individuals involved in tax evasion through misreporting and fraudulent claims. A detailed forensic audit of declared withholding tax deductions, paired…