Written by The Banking Post
The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has selected 72,341 income tax returns for audit in the second phase of its automated scrutiny process for the 2023-24 tax year, as part of efforts to strengthen compliance and improve revenue mobilisation.
The move marks a significant expansion from the first phase in July 2025, when 15,494 tax returns were chosen through random automated selection.
Officials said the latest round used multiple risk-based criteria under the digital system. Each tax circle was required to select a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 200 taxpayers for audit.
Revenue authorities said the absence of manual intervention is expected to ensure neutrality in case selection and increase taxpayer confidence in the audit process.
The list of selected Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) has already been published on the NBR website.
Officials believe the fully automated audit system will enhance transparency inside the tax administration, reduce discretionary practices and support efforts to meet revenue targets.
The initiative is part of broader reforms to modernise tax administration through greater use of technology, data analysis and compliance monitoring.
