The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has released a new income tax return form for individuals to be used for the 2025 tax year. Despite being called the “Simplified Electronic Return for Individuals,” the form has drawn criticism due to its detailed structure and 25-page length.
According to the official FBR notification issued on Tuesday, the form is designed to collect comprehensive income-related data. It includes separate sections for salary, pension, rental income, bank profits, and dividends. Many taxpayers are expressing concern over the time and effort required to complete the new income tax return.
Alongside the individual form, the FBR has also issued a draft income tax return form for companies. This was published under SRO 1212(I)/2025. Both forms were released along with proposed changes to the Income Tax Rules, 2002, which appear in the official Gazette through SRO 1213(I)/2025.
The FBR stated that the revisions are being made under Section 237 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001. These changes aim to enhance data collection and improve transparency in the tax system.
To gather public input, the FBR has opened a seven-day window for feedback. Individuals and businesses can submit their objections or suggestions about the new return forms and rule amendments. The deadline for feedback is seven days from the date of publication in the Gazette.
Tax experts believe the new format may help in better tax compliance, but also warn that the added complexity could discourage individual filers. The FBR, however, maintains that the new design is necessary to streamline the process and ensure accurate reporting.
With the 2025 filing season approaching, taxpayers are urged to review the draft forms carefully and provide their feedback within the given timeframe.
Also read: FBR to Freeze Bank Accounts of Non-Filers in FY2025-26 Crackdown – Find out how FBR plans to tighten tax enforcement
