Key Takeaways
- FBR has received 2.2 million income tax returns, up from 1.724 million last year.
- KTBA argues for more time to meet expanded reporting requirements.
- FBR is pushing for digitalization but needs to pair it with awareness efforts.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has reported a significant increase in the number of income tax returns, with 2.2 million returns received as of the recent period, compared to 1.724 million in the same period last year.
This development was highlighted during a meeting between FBR Chairman Rashid Mehmood Langrial and the Karachi Tax Bar Association (KTBA) delegation, held in Karachi.
KTBA has expressed concerns that FBR’s demand for more detailed information in tax returns has increased the time needed to prepare accurate filings, leading to delays and potential errors.
The association has requested that FBR provide more time for taxpayers to meet the expanded reporting requirements, suggesting that this would encourage voluntary compliance rather than discourage it.
KTBA also welcomed FBR’s digitalization efforts, but emphasized the need for sustained taxpayer awareness campaigns to support the transition.
During the meeting, KTBA informed FBR about field formations that have begun penal actions against taxpayers from the service sector, urging the chairman to assess such cases individually and leniently to encourage compliance.
FBR Chairman Rashid Mehmood Langrial acknowledged the challenges and assured the association that the board is committed to strengthening taxpayer facilitation and voluntary compliance.
The meeting also discussed steps to improve the overall taxpayer experience, focusing on both digitalization and awareness initiatives.
KTBA argued that FBR’s push for more detailed information in tax returns has lengthened the time needed to prepare accurate filings, and asked for more time to be given to taxpayers to meet the expanded reporting requirements.
Karachi Tax Bar Association (KTBA), Delegation
KTBA also welcomed FBR’s digitalization push but said it needs to be paired with sustained taxpayer awareness efforts.
Karachi Tax Bar Association (KTBA), Delegation
