Draft rules would link IRIS with Pakistan Single Window to automate tax returns, payments and vessel clearance for shipping operators.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has proposed a new electronic system for tax returns filed by non-resident ship owners, charterers and authorised shipping agents, linking the tax authority’s IRIS system with the Pakistan Single Window (PSW).
The proposal was issued through SRO 1689(I)/2026, which seeks to replace Rule 37 of the Income Tax Rules, 2002. The FBR has invited objections and suggestions within seven days of publication in the official Gazette.
IRIS-PSW Integration Proposed
Under the draft rule, returns required under Section 143 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 would be filed electronically through IRIS or another system specified by the FBR.
PSW would electronically transmit vessel information to IRIS after receiving a Vessel Intimation Report (VIR). The information would include the vessel name, estimated arrival and departure times, VIR number and the NTN details of the master of the ship, shipping agents and co-loaders associated with the vessel.
Registration details of shipping agents maintained by PSW would also be electronically integrated with IRIS.
Automated Tax Return and Payment
Following receipt of vessel information, IRIS would automatically generate an electronic return against the relevant VIR. Only one return would be generated for each distinct VIR.
The system would display information including the NTNs of associated parties, gross voyage receipts such as freight and container-related charges, and tax payments made through Payment Slip Identification Numbers (PSIDs) and corresponding Computerised Payment Receipts (CPRs).
The proposed mechanism would automatically link payments with the relevant VIR and tax return.
The return would remain pending and could not be submitted until all required payments had been made and the corresponding CPRs electronically linked to the return.
Rules Proposed for Extension Applications
The draft also sets out requirements for seeking an extension under Section 143.
An application would have to be submitted before the vessel’s departure, along with reasons for the extension, estimated taxable voyage receipts and corresponding tax liability.
Applicants would also have to provide relevant voyage documents, including bills of lading, cargo manifests, freight invoices, charter party agreements and port clearance certificates.
They would further be required to provide security equivalent to the estimated tax liability through a bank guarantee, pay order or post-dated cheque, with the cheque date not exceeding 30 days from the vessel’s departure.
Customs Clearance Linked to Tax Compliance
Once the return has been filed and tax paid, or an extension approved, IRIS would electronically transmit confirmation to PSW.
PSW would make the confirmation available to the Collector of Customs or another authorised officer for purposes of Section 143.
The proposed rules would also allow information generated through the PSID and CPR mechanism to be used for assessment, audit, verification, enforcement and recovery proceedings.
Tax recovery under Section 143 would be initiated against the authorised shipping agent, while the agent would retain the right to recover the amount from the relevant ship owner, charterer, shipping agents, co-loaders or other parties associated with the return.