The income tax return filing process for Pakistanis living abroad has been simplified, allowing them to file their income tax returns easily from their countries online using the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) online tax portal.
To raise awareness and participation, the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment has undertaken a specific campaign to inform the overseas Pakistanis of importance of compliance and how to complete tax returns.
An official statement has said that foreign Pakistanis earning income within Pakistan are legally obliged to pay income taxes.
It is applicable to those who have rental properties, business or trade, investment or agricultural lands that generate income.
Paying taxes not only keeps people in compliance with the law, but it also offers a number of financial and administrative advantages, officials said.
There are different incentives for registered tax filers, smoother banking transactions and other incentives for property purchases and investments, officials said.
The government thinks that if they can get the overseas Pakistanis to be active tax filers it will improve the financial system of the country and also make it easier for the overseas Pakistanis to deal with financial matters.
The statement also pointed out the improvement of tax filing system to become more user-friendly, efficient and accessible.
Now overseas Pakistanis can file their tax return via the FBR’s online ‘IRIS’ portal without having to appear at government offices.
The Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment reiterated that the government is dedicated to doing everything possible to assist overseas Pakistanis in fulfilling their legal and financial obligations, and appreciates the vital role played by them in Pakistan’s economy by remittance and investments.
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