Taxpayers across Pakistan are experiencing delays in receiving Real-Time Assessments (RTA) on their filed income tax returns this year, sparking concerns and confusion. Unlike 2024, when RTAs were generated instantly via the FBR’s IRIS system, many filers in 2025 report waiting 20 to 25 days for acknowledgment of their submissions.
Last year’s real-time system had provided immediate confirmations, but it revealed multiple challenges. Numerous discrepancies emerged related to CPR (challan payments), withholding tax records, and wealth statements. These inconsistencies not only complicated filings but also led to a significant increase in notices being sent to taxpayers, prompting concerns about fairness and accuracy in tax administration.
To address these issues, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) introduced a Batch Processing System for 2025. Under this new approach, income tax returns are no longer assessed in real time. Instead, each return undergoes a multi-stage verification process. This includes confirmation of challan payments, cross-checking withholding tax statements, and validation of wealth statements and annexures. Once these steps are completed, the system issues the RTA, typically within 10 to 15 days of filing.
FBR officials stress that the delay should not be interpreted as a problem with any individual return. Rather, it reflects a strategic shift toward greater accuracy and compliance. By linking assessment processing to risk profiling, the FBR aims to handle returns with greater precision, focusing on high-risk filings while reducing unnecessary notices for compliant taxpayers.
Tax experts advise filers to carefully review their submissions to avoid delays. Accurate entry of wealth statements, challan payments, and withholding information is essential to ensure smooth processing. Errors or inconsistencies can prolong verification and delay the issuance of the RTA.
This new system also aligns with the FBR’s broader goal of improving the reliability and integrity of tax administration. By prioritizing verification before acknowledgment, the authority seeks to reduce administrative burdens in the long term while safeguarding the interests of compliant taxpayers.
While some taxpayers have expressed concern over the extended waiting period, officials maintain that the changes will result in a more streamlined and accurate assessment process. Once fully operational, the Batch Processing System is expected to minimize errors, reduce disputes, and enhance overall trust in the taxation framework.
The FBR encourages taxpayers to remain patient during this transition period and to ensure that all details are accurately recorded in their returns. The authority reassures that RTAs will be issued automatically once the verification cycle is complete, usually within two weeks.
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