SMAP Chairman Ismail Suttar urges the FBR to provide additional time, citing technical glitches and delays affecting the IRIS online filing system.
KARACHI: The Salt Manufacturers Association of Pakistan (SMAP) has urged the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to extend the deadline for filing income tax returns, citing persistent technical issues with the tax authority’s IRIS online filing system.
SMAP Chairman Ismail Suttar said repeated disruptions to the portal had made it difficult for taxpayers to complete and submit their returns within the prescribed timeframe.
He noted that delays in the availability of return forms, coupled with continuing system problems, had created hurdles for individuals, traders and businesses seeking to fulfil their tax obligations.
IRIS Technical Issues Disrupt Filing
According to Suttar, taxpayers have faced difficulties accessing and using the online system, raising concerns about their ability to meet the filing deadline.
The IRIS portal is used by taxpayers to submit income tax returns and complete other tax-related procedures. Technical disruptions and delays in making forms available can complicate the filing process, particularly for those who need additional time to prepare their financial information accurately.
The SMAP chairman said the problems had affected taxpayers attempting to comply with their legal responsibilities.
SMAP Calls for Additional Time
Suttar called on the FBR to grant a suitable extension so taxpayers could complete and submit accurate returns without being penalised for technical difficulties beyond their control.
He said additional time would help individuals and businesses fulfil their legal obligations while reducing the risk of errors caused by pressure to meet the existing deadline.
The association maintained that taxpayers should not face undue difficulties because of administrative delays or technical faults in the official filing system.
The request places the focus on the accessibility and reliability of the FBR’s online services as taxpayers work to meet their income tax filing requirements.
The FBR’s decision on the requested extension will determine whether affected taxpayers receive additional time to submit their returns. No revised deadline was specified in the information provided.