ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has officially released the finalized tax return forms for the tax year 2025, putting an end to weeks of speculation among taxpayers.
Through SRO 1561(I)/2025 and SRO 1562(I)/2025, the FBR has notified the simplified electronic return forms designed for individuals, salaried persons, Association of Persons (AOPs), companies, and business professionals. These forms are expected to streamline the filing process and bring more clarity for filers across the country.
It took the FBR exactly 40 days to finalize the return forms after issuing draft versions on July 7, 2025. What sparked intense debate, however, was the fact that the IRIS portal had already been opened for income tax return filing shortly after the draft was published. This created confusion: what happens to the returns filed during the “draft phase”? Are they still valid, or will taxpayers have to file again under the finalized forms?
Tax experts are now calling for the FBR to clear the air on this matter, as many fear that returns filed without legal cover may face complications. They are also pressing the Board to align the deadline with the formal issuance date of the return forms, rather than the original September 30, 2025 cutoff.
With the finalized framework now in place, the FBR is hopeful of record-breaking return submissions this year.
