FBR’s return filing portal response inconsistent: KTBA

FBR’s return filing portal response inconsistent: KTBA

As the clock ticks down on the last day for filing income tax returns in Pakistan, taxpayers are encountering significant challenges with the country’s online return filing portal, IRIS.

The slow or non-responsive behavior of the portal has raised concerns among taxpayers, jeopardizing their ability to meet the mandatory deadline of September 30, 2021.

Muhammad Zeeshan Merchant, President of the Karachi Tax Bar Association (KTBA), expressed his apprehension about the situation, pointing out that a large number of taxpayers may be unable to comply with the mandatory requirement of filing their returns by the end of the day if the portal issues persist.

The concerns regarding the functionality of the IRIS portal have come to the forefront on a critical day when a substantial number of taxpayers rush to submit their returns before the deadline. The last date for filing income tax returns for the tax year 2021 is September 30, 2021.

While taxpayers face the pressure of meeting the deadline, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) had clarified a day earlier that there would be no extension granted for filing income tax returns. The FBR also asserted that the return filing portal was operating seamlessly and efficiently, citing a remarkable reception of 150,000 returns in a single day on September 28, 2021.

Contrary to the FBR’s claims, the President of KTBA, Muhammad Zeeshan Merchant, expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the IRIS portal. He stated, “IRIS is not working. How can we file tax returns and extension as per law? This is very disappointing from the FBR.”

The technical glitches in the online portal have sparked frustration among taxpayers who are diligently working to fulfill their tax obligations. The situation has prompted discussions within the tax community about the need for enhanced infrastructure and reliability of online platforms, particularly during peak periods such as the deadline day.

The current challenges highlight the significance of a smooth and responsive online filing system, which is crucial for fostering tax compliance and reducing the burden on taxpayers. The FBR is likely to face scrutiny over the reported issues, and stakeholders may seek assurances for the timely resolution of technical problems to ensure a fair and efficient tax filing process in the future.

As the day progresses, it remains to be seen how the FBR addresses the concerns raised by taxpayers and tax professionals regarding the functionality of the IRIS portal. The situation underscores the importance of robust and reliable technological infrastructure to support the government’s objectives of promoting transparency, accountability, and ease of doing business in the taxation domain.