How to File Your Income Tax Return Online

Filing an income tax return in Pakistan is now entirely online through the FBR IRIS portal. Once you understand the layout, a straightforward salaried return takes less than an hour.

Start by gathering documents: salary certificate, bank statements for the full tax year, withholding tax certificates, details of assets acquired or disposed of, and any rental or investment income records.

Log in to IRIS with your CNIC and password, then select the return for the relevant tax year from the declaration menu. The form has separate tabs for income, deductions, tax chargeable, and the wealth statement.

Enter your gross salary and any exempt allowances in the salary tab. Add other income sources in their respective tabs. The system computes tax using the applicable slabs automatically, so your job is accuracy of input rather than calculation.

The wealth statement is mandatory for individuals and must reconcile with your declared income. Assets at year end minus assets at year start should be explained by income earned and expenses incurred during the year.

Before submitting, review the computation tab to see whether tax is payable or refundable. Pay any balance through a computerised payment receipt generated in the portal, then submit the return and save the acknowledgement.

File early. The portal slows dramatically near the deadline, and late filing costs you both a surcharge and your Active Taxpayers List position.