Islamabad, January 2, 2026 – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has confirmed that it has initiated desk-based tax audits of exporters, clarifying that the process is routine and aimed at ensuring compliance with existing tax laws.
In an official statement issued on Thursday, the FBR said it has taken notice of a letter circulating on social media that is being wrongly attributed to the tax authority. The letter has created a misleading impression that exporters’ income tax returns are being scrutinized to impose unfair or unjust taxation. The FBR categorically rejected this claim, stating that such impressions are inaccurate and lack factual basis.
The FBR explained that the legal framework for exporters was amended through the Finance Act, 2024, under which the tax regime for exporters was shifted from a final tax regime to a minimum tax regime. This change is required to be properly reflected in income tax returns for Tax Year 2025.
To avoid the possibility of bona fide mistakes or other discrepancies, FBR field formations have been instructed to review exporters’ returns and process them strictly in accordance with the law wherever any legal inconsistency is identified. The FBR emphasized that conducting desk audits of tax returns and ensuring compliance is a statutory obligation and a core function of the authority.
To ensure transparency and prevent misuse or unnecessary hardship for taxpayers, the desk audit exercise is being carried out under the direct supervision of the FBR Headquarters.
Reaffirming its stance, the FBR stated that it remains committed to fair tax administration, taxpayer facilitation, and the lawful, transparent, and professional implementation of tax laws across the country.