The Rise Of “zero-income” Filers: A System Under Pressure
According to the latest figures released by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), 1.7 million “zero-income” tax returns were filed in 2025 alone. On paper, it may look like a growing culture of compliance. In reality, it tells a far more troubling story.
Over the past few years, “filer status” has quietly lost its meaning.
What was once meant to distinguish genuine taxpayers from non-filers has turned into a checkbox exercise. From photocopy shops to property dealers, car agents, and even some bank staff, filing zero-income returns became a routine service—often done simply to help individuals appear as “filers” and avoid higher withholding taxes.
No income. No scrutiny. Just a filer NTN.
