The National Board of Revenue (NBR) is set to make online income tax return submission mandatory for all individual taxpayers from the next fiscal year, following positive results from the existing system.

Currently, online tax filing is voluntary, except for government employees in specific areas and professionals in sectors such as banking, telecommunications, and multinational companies. The NBR has now moved to expand the requirement nationwide, aiming to streamline tax submission and payment processes.

The online system allows taxpayers to pay dues through internet banking, card payments, and mobile banking while offering digital access to tax-related documents, including return receipts and income tax certificates.

To address challenges in the online filing process, the NBR plans to hold a seminar with taxpayers in the coming weeks. Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan stated that feedback from the session would help refine the system before full implementation in July.

Khan emphasized the importance of ensuring a hassle-free process for compliant taxpayers. He noted that tax audits would be risk-based and automated, reducing discretionary powers that have previously led to taxpayer complaints.

The NBR had earlier restricted fresh audits due to concerns over excessive discretion in the current system, which was seen as causing undue harassment. The move towards mandatory online filing aligns with efforts to enhance transparency and data collection.