In yet another episode of “Taxpayers vs. Logic,” the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has officially declared that the 2025 income tax return form has not changed at all—except that it now magically requires new restrictions.
According to FBR’s own statement, there are no new amendments, no SROs, no reforms, no innovations. Nothing. The return form is as innocent as a fresh sheet of paper. Yet somehow, filers who tried putting “zero” in the column for market value of assets discovered that the system slapped them on the wrist. Apparently, zero is no longer allowed.
So here’s the comedy: declaring market value is now “mandatory,” but at the same time “entirely at the discretion of the taxpayer.” Translation: it’s optional… unless you leave it blank.
FBR further clarified that no research, calculation, or rocket science is required. Just guess. Close your eyes, pick a number, and type it in. Whether it’s your house, your car, or your cousin’s goat—just give it some market value.
But relax—this information won’t be used for tax calculation, won’t be reconciled with your wealth statement, and won’t trigger notices. In short, it’s the ultimate example of paperwork for paperwork’s sake.
Meanwhile, FBR insists its IRIS system is “fully operational.” Taxpayers, however, insist it is “fully frustrating.”
The deadline? September 30, 2025. The real question: Will your market value be valued, or just vanish into FBR’s black hole?