The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Domain Team demonstrated key features of the income tax return system to the Karachi Tax Bar Association (KTBA), highlighting mechanisms that allow taxpayers to record investments in immovable property, add multiple business capital holdings, declare tax under relevant provisions and register inherited property. The demonstration was conducted as part of FBR’s ongoing engagement with tax practitioners over the functionality of the income tax return system and the broader taxpayer experience.
The demonstration took place during an online meeting involving KTBA leadership and its members. FBR officials used the session to explain different functions available within the tax return system and respond to questions raised by tax practitioners. The engagement forms part of the Board’s continuing consultation process aimed at identifying areas where the digital filing system can be improved and making the return process easier for taxpayers and tax professionals.
During the session, the FBR Domain Team stated that the existing system was operating without technical bugs or major flaws. Several queries raised by participants were addressed through live demonstrations and explanations of how particular features work. The team specifically demonstrated how taxpayers can record investments in immovable property through the system, enter multiple business capital holdings and declare tax under the applicable provisions.
The system also provides a mechanism for taxpayers to record inherited property. This feature allows relevant property information to be reflected in the taxpayer’s return through the digital system. FBR officials further clarified that certain information requested through the return is optional. Vehicle chassis numbers, for example, are not mandatory information under the system.
The demonstration also provided an opportunity for KTBA representatives to share feedback on the system and identify areas that could be addressed in future versions. KTBA President Mehmood Bikiya welcomed FBR’s response to concerns raised by the association and appreciated the development of a return system designed to be more responsive and user friendly.
KTBA Vice President Saud ul Hasan also commended FBR for maintaining direct engagement with the business community and tax practitioners. The association proposed a number of changes aimed at making the filing process more convenient, particularly for taxpayers and professionals handling large amounts of financial information.
Among the suggestions presented by KTBA was the introduction of an option to upload data through Excel files. According to the association, such a feature could simplify data entry and reduce the effort required to manually enter information into the return system. KTBA also called for a review of the requirement to enter certain financial data again in the following year’s return.
Another proposal concerned the generation of a PDF document within the system explaining the legal provisions related to residence status. The association suggested that a system generated document of this nature could provide taxpayers with clearer information about the applicable legal provisions and assist them in understanding the relevant requirements while completing their returns.
KTBA also raised concerns and sought clarification regarding the timing of refund applications, deemed assessment orders and revision of tax returns. The FBR Domain Team explained that these matters are governed by existing policy provisions. In particular, the team referred to the 15 day deemed assessment rule and stated that the issues raised by the association had been referred to the Policy Wing for consideration.
The consultation highlights the continued interaction between FBR and tax practitioners as the Board works on the digital filing experience. Feedback from tax professionals provides FBR with information on practical difficulties encountered during the filing process, while demonstrations allow the Board to explain existing system functions and clarify requirements directly with users.
FBR said it would continue consultations with tax practitioners and other representatives of the business community as it works to improve the digital tax filing system. The Board’s stated objective is to make tax returns simpler, more transparent and more taxpayer friendly while addressing operational and policy concerns raised during the consultation process.
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