FBR announces 4-hour portal shutdown till August 30

FBR announces 4-hour portal shutdown till August 30

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced a strategic move to upgrade its technology infrastructure, necessitating a temporary shutdown of its website for four hours daily until August 30, 2021.

The decision aims to enhance the efficiency of online taxation services and ensure a seamless experience for taxpayers.

In a communication addressed to taxpayers, the FBR explained that the temporary shutdown is a part of a comprehensive effort to modernize and upgrade the technological foundation supporting their Inland Revenue Services. This includes platforms such as Iris, eFBR, Tax Asaan, Sales Tax, and more.

Starting from 00:00 hours and lasting until 04:00 hours daily, this four-hour shutdown period is scheduled to continue until August 30, 2021. During this time, taxpayers may experience temporary unavailability of Inland Revenue Services as the FBR undertakes the necessary technological enhancements.

It is important to note that Customs-related services, including WeBOC (Web-Based One Customs) and OneCustoms, will not be affected by the scheduled shutdown. The FBR ensures that these specific services will remain continuously available to facilitate customs-related processes and transactions.

The FBR expressed regret for any inconvenience that taxpayers may experience during this period and emphasized its commitment to providing improved efficiency and services in the future. The temporary shutdown is a proactive measure aimed at minimizing disruptions and ensuring a smooth transition to an upgraded technology infrastructure.

This move aligns with global best practices, where organizations periodically upgrade their technology to adapt to evolving demands, enhance security features, and improve overall system performance. The FBR’s commitment to staying technologically current reflects its dedication to providing a robust and reliable platform for taxpayers.

The FBR anticipates that the temporary inconvenience caused by the daily four-hour shutdown will be offset by the long-term benefits of an upgraded and more efficient online taxation system. Taxpayers are encouraged to plan their interactions with the FBR’s online services accordingly, considering the scheduled maintenance window.

As the FBR embarks on this technological upgrade journey, it reaffirms its commitment to transparency, innovation, and customer satisfaction. The temporary website shutdown is a strategic step towards building a modern and responsive digital infrastructure that aligns with the evolving needs of taxpayers and contributes to the overall advancement of the taxation system in Pakistan.