Karachi, July 23, 2025 – A ticking legal time bomb may be brewing at the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) as experts raise alarm over the ongoing return filing process for the Tax Year 2025—initiated without a finalized SRO (Statutory Regulatory Order).
In a startling revelation, Syed Rehan Hasan Jafri, former president of Karachi Tax Bar Association (KTBA), has questioned the legality of this year’s income tax return filing. In an exclusive chat with PkRevenue.com, Jafri said, “The FBR has opened the return filing portal without issuing the SRO for finalized return forms.”
Let’s break this down for taxpayers:
🔍 What’s the Issue?
On July 7, the FBR issued draft return forms via SRO 1212 and SRO 1213, requesting feedback within 7 days. But before issuing a finalized SRO, the FBR went ahead and launched the portal for 2025 return filing—leaving many in shock.
📅 Why Does the SRO Matter?
Legally, once an SRO for finalized return forms is issued, taxpayers are entitled to a 3-month window for filing. “Without that legal backing, this entire process could be challenged,” said Jafri.
🖥 Tech Trouble Galore
The chaos doesn’t end there. Many taxpayers are struggling with IRIS login issues, especially after the mandatory 60-day password reset. “FBR should’ve launched a campaign months ago to guide users,” Jafri stressed. “Now, people are locked out just when return filing season has begun.”
📉 Decline in Filings Expected?
Jafri fears a major drop in return filing this year, citing confusion, portal issues, and legal uncertainty. “How can people comply if the rules are still floating in limbo?”
📦 QR Code Confusion
Even more bizarre, QR code requirements meant for sales tax filers are reportedly appearing for income tax return filers too. “This kind of mix-up undermines trust in the system,” Jafri warned.
💼 Bank Account Dilemma
New return forms require bank account info—yet many salaried individuals in the private sector don’t maintain accounts due to job changes. “This condition will discourage genuine return filing,” he added.
🚨 Call to Action
Jafri urged the Finance Minister to step in immediately. “FBR should be a facilitator—not a legal trap setter. Without a proper SRO, this entire exercise risks becoming void.”
Are you ready to file your return—or are you still waiting for the SRO? Stay tuned as the story unfolds.