Public frustration grows over digital-only tax filing system
Taxpayers all over Pakistan are criticizing the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for the lack of available manual income tax return forms this year. With the FBR’s system-and internet access issues, it’s understandable why taxpayers are frustrated with a completely digital approach to tax filing.
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Customer Stress from Technical Issues
For weeks now, taxpayers have experienced ongoing issues with the FBR online customer system, including slow response times, log-in errors, and system glitches, especially near the deadlines for filing tax returns. Senior citizens, small business owners, and those who live in remote areas all described to us the near impossible task of filing their returns without a manual system.
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Experts Call for Inclusive of Tax Filing Options
Business consultants and tax practitioners are now asking the FBR to digitalize their systems in a more thoughtful and balanced way. Many taxpayers completely lack the necessary digital literacy and/or the reliable internet access needed to deal with the complex systems online. To create a fair and accessible tax system, manual and digital systems should be offered together.
FBR’s Response and Ongoing Challenges
FBR insists the digitalization of Pakistan’s taxation system is a core and innovative step in the system’s modernization process. Critics argue that the system’s poor interface, lack of customer support, and regular breakdowns impede rather than foster compliance.
One tax expert put it bluntly, “Digitalization only works when it’s user-friendly. Right now, it feels like taxpayers are being punished for the government’s technical shortcomings.”
Urgent Need for Reform
Analysts note that the FBR’s technical challenges and lack of taxpayer confidence need urgent solutions in order for voluntary compliance to not continue to plummet. Reintroducing manual tax return options, improving the digital interface of the system, and enhanced support would likely foster confidence and compliance in the long run.
