Pakistan’s tax system has moved strongly towards online filing in recent years, with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) using its IRIS system as one of the main platforms for taxpayers. The system is used for important tasks such as registration, filing income tax returns, submitting wealth statements and managing other tax-related matters. FBR itself describes IRIS as the online portal through which income tax returns are filed.
However, tax lawyers and other professionals dealing with taxpayers say that the system still has several problems that need urgent attention. They believe that if technical and procedural issues are not solved quickly, taxpayers may face even greater difficulties during busy filing periods.
The concerns are not completely new. FBR has already upgraded IRIS several times. In 2023, it launched IRIS 2.0, saying the new version was designed to improve performance, make the system easier to use and reduce problems faced by users. FBR said the earlier versions had faced performance and user-satisfaction challenges, especially during periods of heavy traffic.
Despite these efforts, tax professionals continue to report problems. In May 2026, representatives of tax bars discussed several IRIS and digital tax system issues with FBR and Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL). The concerns included system downtime, problems with data matching, delays in invoice verification, issues with withholding statements, filer and non-filer differences, and delays in processing applications.
Why IRIS Is So Important for Taxpayers
IRIS is not simply another government website. For millions of taxpayers, it is an important part of their tax responsibilities.
A taxpayer may need to use IRIS to register with FBR, file an annual income tax return, submit a wealth statement, make changes to tax records or complete other required tasks. FBR’s own guidance says taxpayers must use the portal to file income tax returns online.
This means that when the system works properly, it can make tax filing much easier. People can submit documents from home or from their offices instead of visiting tax offices for every small task.
But when the system becomes slow, stops working or shows incorrect information, the problem can become serious.
A taxpayer may have a deadline to meet. A business may need to submit a statement. A tax consultant may be handling returns for dozens or even hundreds of clients. If IRIS is not working at that time, users may have little choice but to wait.
This is why tax lawyers are asking FBR to treat IRIS problems as a serious issue rather than a small technical matter.
Tax Professionals Face Problems
Tax lawyers and consultants are among the most frequent users of IRIS. They work with the system every day and have to deal with different types of taxpayers.
According to concerns raised by tax bar representatives, technical problems can create extra work for professionals and their clients. A problem that may look small from a technical point of view can have a major effect when a taxpayer is close to a filing deadline.
For example, if information does not appear correctly in a taxpayer’s account, the tax professional may have to spend extra time checking records. If an application is not processed on time, the taxpayer may have to contact FBR officials or submit complaints.
The situation can become even more difficult when different parts of the tax system do not properly share information.
Recent discussions between tax bars, FBR and PRAL highlighted concerns about data reconciliation, system integration, invoice validation, withholding statements and other digital tax services.
System Downtime Is a Major Concern
One of the biggest concerns for taxpayers is system downtime.
FBR has previously announced periods when IRIS would be temporarily unavailable for maintenance and system improvements. More recently, FBR announced planned maintenance from August 8 to August 10, 2026, during which IRIS and several other digital tax services were temporarily unavailable. FBR advised taxpayers to complete time-sensitive activities before the maintenance period.
Planned maintenance is normal for any large digital system. In fact, regular maintenance is necessary to improve security and performance.
The problem arises when taxpayers cannot predict whether a system will remain available when they need it.
Tax filing often increases sharply around important deadlines. Thousands of people may try to submit returns at the same time. If the system becomes slow or unavailable during those hours, taxpayers can become worried about missing deadlines.
Tax lawyers therefore want FBR to make the system more stable and better prepared for periods of heavy use.
Data Matching Problems Can Create Confusion
Another important concern is the accuracy of information shown inside IRIS.
Taxpayers depend on the information displayed in their accounts. This can include withholding tax records and other details connected to their tax affairs.
If information is missing or does not match the taxpayer’s actual records, it can create confusion.
A taxpayer may believe that a tax amount has already been deducted, while the system may not show the same information. A business may have records that do not match the information available through the online system.
Such differences can take time to resolve.
The Federal Tax Ombudsman has also dealt with complaints concerning IRIS. A decision discussing IRIS 2.0 noted complaints about errors and omissions after the new system was launched, including differences between sections of the system and missing withholding information.
These issues show why accurate and properly connected data is so important.
Tax Filing Should Not Become a Technical Test
For an ordinary taxpayer, paying taxes is already a serious responsibility. The online system should make this responsibility easier, not more difficult.
Many taxpayers are not IT experts. They may understand their business, salary, property or financial records, but they may not understand complicated software problems.
When the portal is difficult to use, they often have to depend on tax consultants or other professionals.
FBR has provided tutorials and written guidance to help people use IRIS. It also says that taxpayers can use its support services when they face problems.
Still, better guides alone cannot solve technical problems.
If a page does not load, a record does not appear, an application gets stuck or the system gives an error, a user needs the problem fixed at the system level.
FBR Has Already Tried to Improve IRIS
It is important to note that FBR has not ignored the need for improvement.
The tax authority launched IRIS 2.0 in July 2023. FBR said the upgraded system included changes to the backend and frontend and was designed to provide a smoother experience for users. The authority also said the earlier versions had faced problems during heavy system loads.
FBR has also announced other upgrades over the years.
For example, the tax authority previously announced changes to the IRIS architecture to improve speed, security and functions.
The continued upgrades show that the government understands the importance of the platform.
However, tax lawyers say that simply launching a new version is not enough. The system needs regular testing, quick correction of errors and strong support for users.
Better Testing Is Needed
One lesson from the problems raised by stakeholders is that large changes to a tax system should be tested carefully before they are introduced on a wide scale.
The Federal Tax Ombudsman previously noted concerns that some changes in IRIS 2.0 appeared to have been introduced quickly, with complaints about errors and a lack of proper testing and user guidance.
For a system that handles sensitive financial information, testing is extremely important.
A new feature may work correctly in a test environment but create problems when thousands of people use it at the same time.
FBR and PRAL should therefore carry out strong testing before major changes are introduced. They should also involve tax professionals in testing because lawyers, accountants and consultants use IRIS regularly and can identify practical problems that may not be noticed by software teams.
A Strong Complaint System Is Also Important
Another area that needs attention is taxpayer support.
When something goes wrong, users need a simple way to report the problem and track its progress.
FBR says its Taxpayers’ Services Wing provides support through its helpline and complaint system. The department says complaints can receive a case number and be sent to the relevant support team.
This is a useful system, but taxpayers need quick solutions, especially when the issue affects a filing deadline.
A complaint number alone does not help if the problem remains unresolved for several days.
Tax professionals would benefit from a system where technical complaints are clearly divided into categories. For example, login problems, missing data, incorrect tax calculations, application delays and system errors could each be sent directly to the right technical team.
This could reduce delays and prevent taxpayers from repeatedly explaining the same problem.
The System Must Handle Busy Filing Seasons
One of the biggest tests for IRIS comes during tax return season.
The system may work reasonably well when the number of users is normal. But when thousands of taxpayers try to file returns near a deadline, the pressure becomes much higher.
FBR itself has acknowledged that earlier versions of IRIS faced performance problems during peak loads.
This is why system capacity needs to be planned around the busiest days, not ordinary days.
The goal should be simple: taxpayers should be able to log in, complete their forms and submit their returns without worrying that the website will suddenly stop working.
Taxpayers Need Confidence
A good digital tax system is not only about technology. It is also about trust.
When people believe that the online system is reliable, they are more likely to complete their tax responsibilities on time.
But repeated technical problems can create frustration. People may start delaying their filings because they expect the system to have issues.
This can be especially difficult for small businesses and individuals who do not have large accounting teams.
Pakistan wants to increase its tax base and improve tax compliance. A reliable digital system can support that goal. But an unreliable system can have the opposite effect.
What FBR Should Do
Tax lawyers’ concerns should be taken seriously because they come from people who work directly with the system.
FBR and PRAL should focus on several areas.
First, the basic performance of IRIS needs to remain stable, especially during peak filing periods.
Second, information from different tax systems should be properly connected so that taxpayers do not face unnecessary data mismatches.
Third, major software changes should be tested carefully before being introduced.
Fourth, technical complaints should be handled quickly, with clear timelines for resolution.
Fifth, taxpayers should receive simple instructions whenever the system changes.
Finally, FBR should regularly consult tax lawyers, accountants and business representatives. These users can provide practical feedback about problems that may not be visible from inside the government offices.
A Reliable IRIS Can Help Pakistan’s Tax System
Pakistan is moving towards greater use of technology in tax collection and reporting. This is the right direction.
Digital tax systems can reduce paperwork, improve record keeping and make it easier for taxpayers to complete their responsibilities. FBR’s own IRIS system is a major part of this digital shift.
But technology only works when it is reliable.
Tax lawyers are therefore urging FBR to act before existing problems become bigger. Their message is not simply about making a website faster. It is about building a tax system that people can depend on.
The government has already invested in IRIS upgrades and digital tax services. The next step should be to make sure these systems work smoothly in real-life situations.
Conclusion
IRIS has become an important part of Pakistan’s tax system. From registration to income tax returns and wealth statements, taxpayers depend on the platform for several important tasks.
FBR has taken steps to improve the system, including the launch of IRIS 2.0 and later technical upgrades. However, concerns raised by tax professionals show that more work is still needed. Recent discussions have pointed to issues involving downtime, data matching, integration, invoice validation and application delays.
The warning from tax lawyers should not be ignored.
A taxpayer should not have to worry that a technical problem will stop them from meeting a legal deadline. Businesses should not lose valuable time because two parts of a government system cannot properly exchange information. Tax consultants should not have to spend hours dealing with problems that could be solved through better software and support.
FBR now has an opportunity to make IRIS stronger, faster and easier to use. Fixing these problems early will benefit taxpayers, tax professionals and the government itself.
If Pakistan wants a modern and effective tax system, it needs a digital platform that people can trust. IRIS is at the centre of that effort, and making it reliable should be treated as a priority rather than something to deal with later.
Read Also:check
