It has become an unfortunate routine that whenever the income tax return filing season begins, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) introduces changes to the IRIS portal, return forms or filing procedures. Instead of implementing these updates well before the filing period, they are made when taxpayers are ready to submit their returns, leading to technical issues, delays and unnecessary frustration.
This year is no exception. With July almost over, thousands of taxpayers and tax practitioners remain unable to file their returns because the system is still incomplete or undergoing modifications. Valuable time has been lost while the filing deadline continues to approach.
The FBR should provide a stable, fully tested and functional system at the start of every filing season. Any upgrades or procedural changes should be completed months in advance to ensure taxpayers can fulfil their obligations without avoidable obstacles.
I urge the FBR to improve its planning, complete all technical updates before the filing season begins and, if necessary, extend the filing deadline to compensate for time lost due to system-related delays.
A more efficient and taxpayer-friendly approach would improve compliance and strengthen public confidence in the tax system.
ADVOCATE AHSAN UL HAQUE,
Karachi.
