Whistleblowers to receive 20% cash fine amount as incentives: Confidentiality guaranteed for informants reporting tax evaders: Property tax evaders will now pay fine equivalent to evaded tax amount:
“Expose Tax Evasion, Earn Rewards.” the Punjab Excise Department has introduced a new reward scheme for whistleblowers who report tax evasion, offering them 20% of the fine amount as a reward.
According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, the Punjab provincial cabinet has approved the Excise Department's new whistleblower system, allowing both excise employees and ordinary citizens to report tax evasion and receive monetary rewards.
Under the scheme titled “Expose Tax Evasion, Earn Rewards,” the department will provide whistleblowers with 20% of the penalty amount imposed on tax evaders. Additionally, tax evaders will be required to pay a fine equivalent to the evaded tax amount.
The channel reported that amendments to the relevant rules will be submitted soon, and the whistleblower scheme is expected to launch by the end of the current fiscal year.
The identities of individuals reporting tax evasion, whether employees or the general public, will be kept confidential to ensure their safety.
The initiative, proposed by the Excise, Taxation, and Narcotics Control Department, aims to curb tax evasion while encouraging public participation through financial incentives.
Reporter: Ali Sahi