The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) has issued new instructions for customers visiting restaurants, hotels, coffee shops and food chains across Punjab as part of efforts to improve tax transparency.

Under the new guidelines, customers must receive a digital receipt when making payments for food and other services.

The PRA has also directed businesses to prominently display the instructions at their premises so customers are aware of their rights.

Digital receipts made mandatory

According to the authority, a valid digital receipt must contain a Punjab Revenue Authority invoice number and QR code.

Customers have been advised to check their receipts and ensure that the required information is clearly provided after making a payment.

The measure is aimed at improving documentation of transactions and strengthening the province’s tax collection system.

No pre-bills or temporary bills

The PRA has also reiterated restrictions on restaurants and hotels issuing documents such as kitchen orders, unpaid bills, pre-bills or temporary bills before payment.

The authority said businesses must follow the prescribed invoicing procedure rather than using such documents as substitutes for proper digital receipts.

Customers urged to report violations

The PRA has asked consumers to report businesses that refuse to accept digital or card payments.

The move is intended to encourage documented transactions and make it easier for the authority to monitor compliance among restaurants, hotels, coffee shops and food chains.

Customers can also use the information on digital receipts to verify transaction details and raise complaints where necessary.

The latest instructions form part of wider efforts to promote digital transactions, increase tax transparency and reduce the possibility of undocumented sales across Punjab.