FBR reviews KTBA proposals on refunds, returns, deemed assessments

August 18, 2026 (MLN): The Federal Board of Revenue's (FBR) Domain Team has referred a set of policy concerns raised by the Karachi Tax Bar Association (KTBA) including the timing of refund applications, issuance of deemed assessment orders, and revision of returns to the Policy Wing for further consideration, while clarifying that these matters fall within existing policy, including the 15-day deemed assessment rule.

The clarification came during an online consultative session between the FBR Domain Team and KTBA leadership and members, held to discuss the design of the income tax return and the broader taxpayer experience, according to the press release.

The session formed part of the FBR's ongoing effort to consult stakeholders directly and ensure its digital systems evolve in line with the needs of taxpayers and practitioners.

The discussion confirmed that the return system is functioning well, with no technical bugs or major flaws identified. The exchange centred on suggestions and points of clarification, with the FBR team walking members through several features and noting ideas for future filing cycles.

KTBA members put forward several suggestions for future iterations of the return, including enabling Excel file uploads to simplify data entry, reviewing the requirement to feed financial data in next year's return, and adding a system-generated PDF explaining the legal provisions on Residence Status. The FBR team noted each proposal for consideration.

Most other queries were resolved through live demonstrations, with the FBR team showing members how to track investment in immovable property, add multiple business capital, declare tax under the relevant sections, and record inheritance property, while clarifying that certain fields, such as the chassis number for vehicles, remain optional.

Mehmood Bikiya, President KTBA, appreciated the FBR's swift response in arranging the meeting and commended the team for developing a dynamic, responsive and user-friendly return system.

Saud ul Hasan, Vice President KTBA, commended the FBR's commitment to open, ongoing dialogue with the business community and expressed satisfaction with the collaborative spirit of the engagement, noting that direct interaction between the tax administration and practitioners builds mutual understanding and strengthens confidence in the digital filing system.

The FBR reaffirmed that it will continue to engage the business community and its representative bodies through regular consultation, noting that feedback gathered during such sessions plays a role in shaping a simpler, more transparent, and more taxpayer-friendly return system. Both sides expressed a commitment to sustaining the partnership going forward.

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