The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) is a lifeline for millions of families in Pakistan, especially for low-income households. However, in recent months, many families have reported an unexpected issue: their BISP payments have stopped, and their BISP cards are getting blocked. If you or your family have experienced this, you might be wondering why it’s happening. One key reason could be related to becoming a tax filer.
You can also read: BISP Payment 2025 Criteria Check New Update for 13,500
In this article, we’ll explore how filing taxes can affect your eligibility for BISP payments and what steps you can take if your payments stop. We’ll break it down in simple, easy-to-understand language, so you can stay informed and avoid unexpected issues.
What is BISP and Why Is It Important?
The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) is a government initiative aimed at helping Pakistan’s poorest families. The program provides cash transfers to low-income households, particularly helping women who are the primary recipients of these payments.
For many families, BISP is crucial as it helps cover daily expenses, improve living standards, and provide financial security. The amount of assistance you receive from BISP depends on a number of factors, with the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) being one of the main tools used to determine eligibility.
What Does It Mean to Be a Tax Filer in Pakistan?
In Pakistan, a tax filer is someone who has filed their income tax returns with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and is listed on the Active Taxpayer List (ATL). Being a tax filer comes with a number of benefits, such as:
- Lower withholding taxes on financial transactions (e.g., bank withdrawals).
- Better chances of securing loans and financial services.
- Easier registration for cars or properties.
While these benefits are useful, becoming a tax filer may also have unintended consequences for those who rely on social support programs like BISP.
How Does Becoming a Tax Filer Affect BISP Payments?
When a household member files taxes, especially the husband or head of the family, it can trigger a series of changes that affect the family’s eligibility for BISP. Here’s how:
Filer Status Signals Financial Stability
When you become a tax filer, the government may interpret this as a sign that your financial situation has improved, even if your income hasn’t changed significantly. In the eyes of the system, filing taxes could suggest that your household is financially stable enough not to need support from programs like BISP.
Poverty Means Test (PMT) Score May Increase
The Poverty Means Test (PMT) score is used to assess whether your household qualifies for BISP benefits. If a member of the household becomes a tax filer, the government might assume that the family’s income is higher than it actually is. As a result, the PMT score may increase, making your household ineligible for BISP support.
You can also read: PM Laptop Scheme 2025 Check Registration Procedure & Check Last Date
Real-Life Cases of BISP Cards Getting Blocked
Many families have shared their experiences of having their BISP payments stopped after one of their members became a tax filer. Here’s a summary of the issues these families often face:
- Payments Stop Without Warning: Families who depend on BISP suddenly find that their payments are no longer being processed, leaving them financially vulnerable.
- BISP Cards Blocked: In some cases, the BISP card is marked as inactive, preventing families from accessing the assistance they were receiving.
- Delays in Re-verification: Families who experience these issues often face long delays in the process of re-verifying their eligibility, further complicating their financial situation.
What Can You Do If Your BISP Payments Are Stopped?
If your BISP payments have stopped and you believe it may be because a household member became a tax filer, here’s what you can do:
1. Visit the Nearest BISP Office
The first step is to visit your nearest BISP office. Take your CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card) and ask for a status update on your BISP account. The BISP team will be able to tell you if your payments were stopped due to the tax filer issue. They can also provide guidance on how to resolve the situation.
2. Request a PMT Score Re-evaluation
If you believe your financial situation hasn’t improved, you can request a re-survey of your household through the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) system. This will allow your PMT score to be re-evaluated, and if your income is still low, you might regain eligibility for BISP support.
3. Weigh the Decision to Become a Filer
If your family relies on BISP, it’s important to think carefully before becoming a tax filer. While filing taxes is an important step for financial responsibility, it could temporarily disqualify you from receiving BISP payments. If your household’s financial situation hasn’t significantly improved, it might be better to delay filing taxes until your circumstances change.
Can You Reverse the Filer Status to Get BISP Again?
Once a person is listed as a tax filer with the FBR, it is not possible to reverse that status. However, as mentioned earlier, you can request a PMT re-evaluation to ensure your household’s income is accurately reflected in the system. This could help restore your eligibility for BISP payments if your financial situation is still considered low.
Key Takeaways
- Becoming a Filer Can Be Beneficial: Being a tax filer offers several benefits, including access to better financial services, lower taxes, and improved financial credibility.
- Risk of Losing BISP: If your household relies on BISP support, becoming a tax filer can cause your payments to stop due to the way the system perceives your income.
- Stay Informed: Always check your BISP status regularly and stay informed about how changes like tax filing might affect your benefits.
- Request a Re-evaluation: If your payments stop unexpectedly, don’t hesitate to visit a BISP office and request a re-evaluation of your eligibility.
You can also read: BISP April 13500 Payment Status Check Online Through 8171 Web Portal
Conclusion
While becoming a tax filer is an important step toward financial responsibility, it can unintentionally affect your eligibility for government assistance programs like BISP. If you’re relying on BISP payments, carefully consider the timing of filing taxes. It’s important to stay proactive, check your payment status regularly, and know what to do if your payments stop. By staying informed and seeking guidance when needed, you can ensure that your family continues to receive the support it needs.
This article provides you with clear, actionable steps to understand the connection between being a tax filer and losing BISP payments, helping you navigate the complexities of government assistance programs with ease.
FAQs
What is the primary purpose of the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP)?
Answer:
The primary purpose of BISP is to provide financial assistance to Pakistan’s poorest families, particularly helping women, to improve their living standards, cover daily expenses, and provide financial security.
How does becoming a tax filer affect BISP payments?
Answer:
When a household member becomes a tax filer, it may trigger the assumption that the household is financially stable enough to not need BISP support. As a result, the government may increase the Poverty Means Test (PMT) score, making the household ineligible for BISP payments.
What is the Poverty Means Test (PMT) and how does it impact BISP eligibility?
Answer:
The PMT is used to assess whether a household qualifies for BISP benefits. If a member of the household becomes a tax filer, the government may assume the family’s income is higher, causing the PMT score to increase and potentially making the family ineligible for BISP.
What steps can you take if your BISP payments are stopped due to becoming a tax filer?
Answer:
You can:
- Visit the nearest BISP office with your CNIC to inquire about the status of your BISP account.
- Request a re-evaluation of your PMT score if your financial situation hasn’t improved.
- Consider delaying filing taxes if your household’s financial situation hasn’t significantly changed.
Can a person reverse their tax filer status to regain eligibility for BISP?
Answer:
No, once a person is listed as a tax filer with the FBR, it is not possible to reverse that status. However, you can request a PMT re-evaluation to ensure your household’s income is accurately reflected and possibly regain eligibility for BISP payments.