NBR to Launch Online Corporate Tax Filing from Next Year
National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan has announced that corporate tax filing will be brought under an online submission system from next year.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Tax Representative Management System on Sunday, September 14, at the NBR multipurpose hall, he said, “From next year, we will introduce corporate tax online submission. An app will also be developed for both corporate tax and income tax. If you cooperate, we will be able to realize the vision we have. Once the hassle of running around is reduced, clients will have more planning opportunities, and all tax-related work can be done from home.”
Highlighting the self-developed nature of the new system, the NBR chief stated, “We have built the Tax Representative Management System app ourselves. All work is being done online. The big advantage is that since we made it, we will not face trouble solving problems. If any issues arise, we will be able to address them quickly. This is also creating our own database, which brings interdependency and allows us to resolve matters efficiently.”
Explaining further benefits of the upcoming apps, he added, “A lot of time is wasted in unnecessary running around; this will no longer be the case. All tasks can be done from home. This will be a huge convenience. No one will be able to make mistakes. We will achieve total economic digitalization, which must be done for the future. We will also connect the system with commercial banks, so that information from banks automatically appears in returns. This will reduce errors and eliminate the possibility of hiding assets. Everyone will benefit from this.”
Speaking as chief guest, Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed praised the initiative, saying, “Such apps or programs are beneficial for everyone. I pay taxes through others, but with this app everything can be done more quickly. It will be good for clients. The government is doing good work in the revenue sector, even if many do not acknowledge it. This app will help the government by enabling faster tax collection.”
In his closing remarks, Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan also noted the risks of over-dependence on foreign technology, saying, “Whenever development in the IT sector is discussed, many show interest in foreign hardware. This makes us overly dependent on external sources. Hiring from outside means spending more money. While some foreign experts do good work, often there are ulterior motives. It is better to develop solutions ourselves.”
Urging cooperation, he added, “The government is trying to do something for the people. Even though it is an interim government, some cannot see what is being achieved and feel frustrated. Do not be disheartened. See what we are doing for the people in a positive way. The next government will benefit from it.”
On the issue of legal professionals, he remarked, “When lawyers exploit clients with unnecessary charges, it discourages taxpayers. If the process is made simple and transparent, clients will willingly pay the same fees with sincerity. It is unrealistic to think tax lawyers will provide services for free, but if they deliver good service, people will have no objection to paying.”
He emphasized that the NBR has already automated income tax return submissions and is providing training for tax lawyers. “This will make revenue collection more dynamic. Online-based work, whether at individual or government level, will be beneficial for all. That is exactly what we are doing,” he concluded.
