FBR defends new tax return form amid bug reports as filers report technical issues

Business Recorder reported that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has launched a redesigned income tax return for Tax Year 2026, though bugs have disrupted filing for taxpayers and advisers. Responding to stakeholder complaints, FBR sources said the form has moved from a fixed layout to an interactive interface that guides filers through tax rules. They maintained that the platform is working as intended to support compliance.

The return forms part of the digital transformation push the prime minister has backed, and aims to collect more precise data and tie assets to income sources. Under the new setup, a salaried individual sees only the sections that apply to their earnings, which removes clutter. The FBR acknowledged that a new feature covering immovable property has raised questions among taxpayers and tax bodies, but said it was added on purpose to connect property, rental and agricultural earnings.

The FBR argued that the return makes capital gains tax easier, with the tax now calculated automatically once a filer inputs the sale amount and the date it was sold. The authority has also prepared a handbook and an instructional video on property matters, both accessible on the IRIS portal. A tax expert urged the FBR to stop artificial intelligence from sidelining tax consultants and advocates, saying technology should aid professional judgment, not replace it.