Karachi, July 20, 2025 — As the tax season heats up, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is sounding the alarm for taxpayers to file their income tax returns responsibly — and only through legally authorized professionals.
This important advisory comes amid rising reports of personal data theft and tax fraud linked to unauthorized tax filers active across social media and other platforms.
The FBR emphasized that every taxpayer — whether an individual or a corporate entity — must ensure secure filing by either doing it themselves or consulting an officially authorized e-intermediary. The warning stems from recent incidents where taxpayers found their confidential details, such as CNIC numbers, bank accounts, and income sources, misused by self-proclaimed tax advisors. These fraudulent filings have landed several unsuspecting citizens in legal trouble with the tax department.
Let’s make this personal: If you are planning to file your return this season, ask yourself — who’s handling your data? If it’s a random social media “tax experts,” think again. The FBR clarifies that filing your taxes through unauthorized agents can put you at serious financial and legal risk.
According to the Income Tax Rules, 2002, only the following professionals qualify as authorized e-intermediaries for tax filing:
• Chartered Accountants registered with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP),
• Cost and Management Accountants from the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan (ICMAP),
• Licensed legal practitioners allowed to practice in Pakistani courts,
• Members of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), UK,
• And Income Tax Practitioners registered with a Tax Bar affiliated with the All Pakistan Tax Bar Association.
The FBR is actively encouraging the public to verify credentials before hiring anyone for tax filing. “It’s your money, your identity, and your responsibility,” a senior FBR official remarked. “Don’t let convenience cost you your peace of mind.”
As the deadline for tax return filing draws closer, the FBR plans to intensify awareness campaigns urging citizens to avoid shortcuts and stay safe by using credible professionals.