Income Tax Return Filing Glitches Trouble Salaried Class in Pakistan

Pakistan’s Salaried Class Faces Glitches in Income Tax Return Filing

Thousands of salaried taxpayers are struggling to submit their annual income tax returns for Tax Year 2025 due to a persistent error in the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) IRIS portal.

At the time of filing, the system repeatedly flashes the message: “Please enter correct receipt value”  an error that tax experts and lawyers have been unable to resolve despite multiple attempts.

Helpline Fails to Assist Taxpayers

Frustrated taxpayers reached out to the FBR helpline, but the support team has been unable to provide any concrete solution. Instead, responses have been described as generic and vague, leaving taxpayers without proper guidance on fixing the error.

Experts warn that if the glitch is not resolved soon, it could force many individuals to miss the September 30th filing deadline, leading to wrongful penalties and an inactive taxpayer status under the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.

For guidance on income tax compliance, visit Waystax.

Complaint Lodged with Federal Tax Ombudsman

Tax attorney Khurram Shahzad has now formally complained to the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) in accordance with Section 10 of the FTO Ordinance, 2000. The lawsuit draws attention to the incompetence and professional negligence of the FBR IT Wing.

The complainant noted that despite repeated submissions, the system provides no clarity on the nature of the error, leaving taxpayers unable to proceed. Supporting evidence has also been attached to the complaint.

Potential Impact on Revenue

Tax experts warn that if the issue persists, Pakistan could face a substantial revenue loss due to delayed filings, while taxpayers will suffer unnecessary stress and harassment.

The matter, they argue, reflects maladministration as defined under Section 2(3) of the FTO Ordinance as arbitrary, inefficient, and contrary to good governance.

For context on how digital tax systems should be designed for efficiency, see the OECD report on tax administration digitalization.

Experts Demand Solutions

Tax practitioners have urged the FTO to:

  • Declare FBR’s conduct as maladministration.
  • Direct the FBR Chairman to immediately resolve the IRIS portal error.
  • Extend the return filing deadline, if necessary, to protect taxpayers’ rights.
  • Restructure FBR’s IT Wing with professional experts to prevent future lapses.

The Final Thought

With the filing deadline approaching fast, the FBR’s technical glitches threaten both taxpayers and the national exchequer. Experts stress that only swift intervention and deadline flexibility can safeguard compliance and restore trust in the tax system.