KARACHI: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Domain Team on Monday held an online meeting with the leadership and members of the Karachi Tax Bar Association (KTBA) to review the income tax return design and discuss measures to improve the taxpayer experience.
The meeting formed part of the FBR’s ongoing stakeholder consultation aimed at ensuring that its digital tax systems continue to evolve in line with the requirements of taxpayers and tax practitioners.
KTBA President Mehmood Bikiya appreciated the FBR’s prompt response in arranging the meeting and praised the team for developing a dynamic, responsive and user-friendly income tax return system.
The participants indicated that the system was functioning satisfactorily, with no major technical bugs or significant flaws identified. The discussion therefore focused mainly on suggestions, clarifications and possible improvements for future filing cycles.
KTBA proposes improvements to income tax return
On policy matters, the KTBA presented its views on the timing of refund applications, issuance of deemed assessment orders and revision of tax returns.
The FBR Domain Team clarified that these matters fall under existing policy, including the 15-day deemed assessment rule, and have been referred to the Policy Wing for further consideration.
Both sides agreed that continued coordination between the FBR and tax practitioners would help make the filing process more closely aligned with taxpayer expectations.
The KTBA proposed several improvements for future versions of the return, including:
• Allowing Excel file uploads to simplify data entry.
• Reviewing the requirement to enter certain financial information in the following year’s return.
• Adding a system-generated PDF explaining the relevant legal provisions concerning residence status.
The FBR team recorded the proposals for consideration and appreciated the practical and solution-oriented feedback provided by KTBA members.
FBR demonstrates digital return features
Most of the remaining queries were addressed through live demonstrations and explanations.
The FBR team demonstrated how taxpayers can track investment in immovable property, add multiple business capital entries, declare tax under relevant sections and record inherited property.
Officials also clarified that certain information, including the chassis number for vehicles, remains optional.
The demonstrations helped resolve several queries raised during the meeting and provided participants with a clearer understanding of the functionality currently available in the digital filing system.
FBR pledges continued consultation
KTBA Vice President Saud ul Hasan appreciated the FBR’s commitment to maintaining an open dialogue with the business community.
He said direct engagement between tax authorities and tax practitioners would help improve mutual understanding and strengthen confidence in the digital filing system.
The FBR reaffirmed that it would continue consultations with the business community and representative organisations.
The tax authority said feedback received through such engagements would help develop a simpler, more transparent and taxpayer-friendly income tax return system.
