Many people in Pakistan have recently discovered that the FBR has disabled their mobile SIM cards because they failed to file their income tax filings. This tutorial will assist you in reactivating your SIM if you have already filed your tax return and need to do so.
How to Reactivate Your SIM Card
Option 1: Utilize the FBR Helpline
Contacting the FBR hotline is one effective way to have your SIM card reactivated. Tell the agent that your income tax return has been filed. Within 48 hours of their verifying your return, your SIM should be activated again.
Option 2: Visit the Regional Tax Office (RTO)
If you are unable to get through to the helpline, you can visit your local tax office. What you should do is as follows:
- Locate Your Local Tax Office: Find the RTO responsible for your tax registration area.
- Report the filing of your return: Tell the staff members that you have turned in your tax return when you visit the office. Make a request to get your SIM card reactivated.
The FBR Reactivation Criteria for SIMs
According to FBR guidelines, barred SIM cards won’t be unblocked until they’ve been verified by the FBR or the Commissioner of Inland Revenue in charge of your case. Two crucial elements form the basis of this confirmation:
- Verification of Return Filing: The appropriate authorities need to confirm that your income tax return was filed.
- Verification of Exemption: If your income is below the taxable limit and you were exempt from filing a return, you must substantiate this exemption.
Reasons for Restoring SIM Cards Legally
The FBR or the Commissioner of Inland Revenue may reinstate prohibited utilities, including mobile SIM cards, in accordance with Section 114B of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, provided that the following requirements are met:
- Confirmation of Filed Return: The necessary authorities must verify that your income tax return has been submitted.
- Proof of Non-Taxable Income: You must present proof if your income is below the taxable threshold and you are not required to file a return.
You have two options for reactivating your SIM card if the FBR has prohibited it. First, for a speedy verification process, call the FBR helpline. If it doesn’t fix the problem, go in person to your regional tax office to report your filed return. You can guarantee that your SIM card gets revived and carry on using your mobile services uninterrupted by fulfilling the prerequisites.
