One of the major reasons behind tax gap due to a lower number of tax filers, especially in Pakistan, is lack of awareness as there are numerous benefits of being a filer that most self-employed and salaried individuals don’t know about.
Do you wish to avail better services at airports or excise offices? Want to buy a new car at an affordable price? Or even that top-tier piece of real estate at a lower rate? Want to enjoy a minimal withholding tax on all your banking transactions? Or did you recently suffer a loss in your business and are in dire need of a tax waiver?
If your answer to even any one of these questions is ‘yes’, you immediately need to start filing your tax returns and wealth statement.
You might have thought of becoming a filer but later changed your mind because:
- It’s a very complexed process
- “My employer deducted it, so why should I even bother?”
- Lack of knowledge and awareness regarding this matter
- “We are already paying tax through indirect mean”
- “Who cares? It’s Pakistan”
Being a tax illiterate can hold you back from getting so many benefits, this article will surely get you on your way to becoming a filer.
Filing your tax returns and wealth statement is beneficial for both you and your government.
And here’s how you can start doing so.
Step 1: Know FBR’s Instructions for Filing Taxes in 2020
Before we get to how to register online as a tax filer and submit your returns, it is important to go through the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) recent instructions on how to file your tax return.
Take a look of the tax slabs for salaried person for tax year 2020/2021
Step 2: Get Registered with FBR E-Enrollment System Online
You can get registered with FBR here and start filing your tax returns online. Previously, FBR used to have separate portals for individuals and companies. But now, they have simplified it further for everyone.
To get enrolled, you only need to click on “Registration for Unregistered Person” or “E-Enrollment for Registered Person“. It will ask for your CNIC number and phone number (which has to be registered under your own name).
Step 3: Prepare and Submit Your Tax Documents
Once signed up, you’ll see a few categories on the left. Go to the registration document in the drafts folder and fill it. When you have filled it and submitted it, FBR will confirm your account and you will be able to submit your tax returns and wealth statements.
If going online is not an option for you, then you can manually file your returns on paper at Taxpayer Facilitation Counters of your respective Regional Tax Office. Paper Return Form can be downloaded from FBR’s website as well or you can file your tax return through Tax Asaan App.
You can also consult this video for any further details.
There are few things you need to know before becoming a filer, watch this video to know about all those things:
What happens if you don’t file your taxes?
Your Income Tax Returns will not Be Entertained if:
Under section 182(1), individuals and companies need to make sure that they don’t fill in wrong details in their forms, failing which will result in penalties for the concerned parties.
- CNIC should not be missing or incorrect or invalid
- Mandatory fields marked by * shouldn’t be empty
- Returns should be duly signed by the taxpayer or his representative (as defined in section 172 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001)
- Returns should be filed in the prescribed form and format
As announced by the government in a press conference, the due date for all income-tax return (ITR) for FY 2019-20 has been extended from July 31, 2020, and October 31, 2020, to December 8, 2020.
This guide is not meant to be used as an exhaustive resource, however, it does explain the first step for people who are looking to contribute to Pakistan’s well-being and become responsible citizens.
