Islamabad: According to a report on July 8, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has declared the availability of new refund forms for the tax year 2024. This announcement is part of a broader effort to streamline the tax filing process and improve compliance among various taxpayer categories.
The specifications indicate that the new forms are intended for salaried individuals, businesses, associations of persons (AoPs), and companies. These forms, which update the current income tax regulations, were published online through SRO949 of 2024. The electronic forms are designed to simplify the tax filing process, making it more efficient and user-friendly for taxpayers. Notified by SRO0950 of 2024, the FBR has also made available conventional income tax refund forms for individuals as an alternative to electronic forms. These manual forms provide an alternative for those who prefer traditional methods of filing their tax returns or do not have access to electronic means.
The release of these forms is aimed at ensuring that all taxpayer categories have the appropriate tools to fulfill their tax obligations accurately and timely. The FBR has emphasized the importance of compliance and the benefits of using the updated forms, which include streamlined processes and reduced chances of errors.
In related news, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif gave the FBR orders to fire 27 senior officials on July 4. This significant action included the removal of 16 grade-20 officers from the Inland Revenue Services and 11 grade-20 officers from the Customs group, based on intelligence reports. The dismissals are part of a broader effort to address corruption and inefficiency within the FBR, ensuring that the organization operates with integrity and accountability.
Those dismissed include notable officials such as Dr. Akhtar Hussain, Customs Collector Islamabad; Muhammad Adnan Akram, Director Transit Trade Lahore; and other senior officers including Irum Maqbool Aamir, Naveed Iqbal, Ahsan Khan, Raza Khan, Amreen Tarar. The removal of these officials is expected to bring about significant changes within the FBR, fostering a culture of transparency and efficiency.
The FBR’s dual approach of introducing new tax return forms and taking strict actions against non-compliant officials underscores its commitment to reforming the tax system in Pakistan. These measures are intended to enhance taxpayer trust and ensure that the revenue collection process is fair and transparent. The FBR encourages all taxpayers to make use of the new forms and comply with their tax obligations to contribute to the country’s economic stability and growth.
