Have You Filed Your Tax Return Correctly?
Filing your income tax return in Pakistan may seem simple, but even one small mistake can lead to:
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FBR audit notices
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Heavy penalties
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Loss of filer status
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Freezing of bank accounts
In this guide, you’ll learn the top 10 mistakes people make and how to avoid them—with a must-know bonus tip at the end.
1. What Happens If You Miss the Tax Filing Deadline?
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Deadline: Usually September 30 (may be extended)
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Problem: Filing late can result in penalties and loss of filer status
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Solution:
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File before the deadline—even if documents are incomplete
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You can revise your return within 60 days
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After 60 days, Commissioner approval is required
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📌 Pro Tip: Start filing in July–September to avoid last-minute issues.
2. Are You Declaring Your Income in the Wrong Category?
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Common Error: Declaring salary in business income tab or vice versa
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Why It Matters: FBR may issue an audit notice
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Salary → Section 149
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Business → Business tab
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Rent → Rent tab
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Other → Other sources
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🎯 Freelancers Beware: Make sure your tax consultant understands correct income classification.
3. Did You Forget to Claim Already Paid Taxes or Deductions?
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Example: Withholding tax on mobile, bank profit, etc.
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Mistake: Not claiming tax credits or deductions
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Consequence: You pay more tax than required
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Clarification:
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GST can’t be adjusted directly
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But it can be claimed under business expenses
4. Does Your Income Match Your Bank Statement?
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Issue: Declaring PKR 50,000 income while your bank shows PKR 100,000
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Result: FBR detects mismatch → penalty imposed
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Fix: Match your declared income with your bank deposits
5. Have You Declared All Your Assets and Wealth?
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Common Fear: Declaring property, car, or investments may lead to tax
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Reality: FBR already has data from NADRA and land registries
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Solution: Declare all assets in your first return honestly
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If Missed: You can revise return or declare with penalty before audit
6. Are You Hiding Foreign Assets or Income?
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Legal Obligation: Pakistani residents must declare foreign assets
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Exemption (Section 82): Overseas Pakistanis (183+ days outside, NICOP holders) are exempt
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Best Practice: Even if exempt, voluntary declaration is safer
7. Are You Claiming Fake or Unsupported Deductions?
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Examples: Education, Zakat, investments without proof
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Legal Basis: Sections 60–63 require genuine documentary evidence
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Outcome: FBR audit, penalties, and legal action
📎 Always attach supporting documents for deductions and asset values.
8. Did You File Your Return Through an Unverified Agent?
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Risk: Many individuals use “neem hakeem” (unqualified filers)
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Result: Errors, notices, and future tax complications
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Advice: Always consult a licensed tax lawyer or certified advisor
9. Are You Keeping All Tax-Related Records?
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Requirement: Maintain documents for at least 6 years
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Why 6 Years: FBR can audit up to 5 years; tax years start from July 1
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What to Keep:
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Bank statements
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Property papers
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Withholding certificates
10. Do You Regularly Check FBR Emails or Portal After Filing?
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Mistake: Filing return and ignoring FBR account
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Why Important: You may miss urgent notices, audit calls, or requests
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Solution:
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Check your FBR portal monthly
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Respond promptly with your consultant
Bonus Tip: Have You Reviewed the FBR "Malumaat" Tab?
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Where to Find It: On your FBR IRIS login panel
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What It Shows:
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Property ownership
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Vehicle registration
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Credit card usage
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Purpose: Helps you match your return with FBR’s internal data
✅ Before filing, cross-check this data to avoid red flags.
Final Thoughts: Avoid Mistakes and File with Confidence
Avoiding these 10 common mistakes can protect you from:
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FBR audits
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Financial penalties
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Legal stress
📲 Need Expert Help?
Contact a licensed tax advocate now via Booking Appointment to file your return safely and professionally.
🧾 Want to learn the step-by-step process for filing tax returns? Read our Complete Guide to Income Tax Return Filing in Pakistan.
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