The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has clarified that businesses filing VAT returns online are not required to submit hard copies to VAT offices. This announcement was made in a statement on Tuesday, November 5.
Syed A Momen, NBR’s Director of Public Relations, confirmed that after submitting returns, annexes, and declarations online, VAT officers should not request hard copies, as this is not legally required. Therefore, no additional hard copies need to be submitted to VAT offices once documents are filed online.
The NBR further stated that there is no requirement for VAT officers to verify and retain hard copies of returns, declarations, or treasury challans. However, if businesses wish to submit hard copies in person, they can do so by receiving acknowledgment at the reception of the Circle Office, or alternatively, by sending documents via postal service.
While encouraging all VAT-registered establishments to file returns online, NBR also reminded them of the legal requirement to submit VAT returns by the 15th of each month to avoid penalties and interest. Under the new VAT law, registered businesses are obligated to file monthly VAT returns based on their sales transactions.
