The Federal Board of Revenue has decided to make the online submission of income tax returns and withholding statements mandatory for individual taxpayers, with amendments being made to the Income Tax Rules.

The FBR has drafted further amendments to the Income Tax Rules 2002 and issued the draft for stakeholder feedback. The notification explains that these amendments are being made under Section 237(1) of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001.

The FBR has made the draft amendment available for public information, inviting objections or suggestions from affected parties. These can be submitted to the FBR within seven days of the official gazette publication, with all feedback to be considered before a final decision is made.

The draft proposes a new rule under Rule 73 of the Income Tax Rules 2002, which would require individual taxpayers to electronically file (submit online) both their income tax returns and withholding statements.

The FBR stated that this amendment aims to promote the use of modern technology in the tax system, streamline the return filing process, and effectively manage taxpayer data.