Islamabad: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has sought input from tax practitioners on its digital income tax return system as part of ongoing consultations aimed at improving the taxpayer experience.
The FBR Domain Team held an online meeting with the leadership and members of the Karachi Tax Bar Association (KTBA), during which it demonstrated key features and functionalities of the income tax return system.
The demonstration covered mechanisms for recording investments in immovable property, entering multiple business capital holdings, declaring tax under relevant provisions and recording inherited property. The team also clarified that certain information, including vehicle chassis numbers, is optional.
According to the FBR, the existing system is operating without technical bugs or major flaws. Most concerns raised by participants during the meeting were addressed through live demonstrations and explanations.
KTBA President Mehmood Bikiya welcomed the FBR’s response to the association’s concerns and appreciated efforts to develop a more responsive and user-friendly return system. KTBA Vice President Saud ul Hasan also welcomed the Board’s direct engagement with the business community.
The association proposed several improvements for future versions of the return system, including an option to upload data through Excel files to simplify data entry. It also suggested reviewing the requirement to carry certain financial information into the following year’s return and adding a system-generated PDF explaining legal provisions related to residence status.
KTBA also raised concerns regarding the timing of refund applications, deemed assessment orders and revision of returns. The FBR Domain Team clarified that these matters are governed by existing policy, including the 15-day deemed assessment rule, and said the issues had been referred to the Policy Wing for consideration.
The FBR said consultations with tax practitioners and other business representatives would continue to improve the digital filing system and make tax returns simpler, more transparent and taxpayer-friendly.
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