FBR Denies Sending Tax Filing Alerts After Telecom Glitch. Many taxpayers across Pakistan were confused this week after receiving sudden SMS alerts telling them to file their income tax returns before 30 September 2025. The messages looked official and carried the same tone used by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). But the FBR has now confirmed that it did not send these alerts.
The authority called the situation a technical mistake and assured citizens that the messages should be ignored. This announcement comes after a wave of complaints from people who feared penalties or thought the tax filing cycle had been reopened.
FBR Issues Clarification After Complaints
Soon after the messages went viral, FBR received dozens of reports from taxpayers. Many people logged into IRIS to check their tax status. Others feared that they may have missed a new requirement.
FBR released a formal statement explaining that no such reminders were authorised. According to the board, its system did not generate any SMS regarding tax return deadlines.
This clarification was necessary because tax-related alerts usually come from verified government channels. When unexpected messages appear, confusion spreads quickly among taxpayers.
PTA Confirms the Error Came from Telecom Providers
To identify the source, FBR contacted the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). After checking with multiple telecom operators, PTA confirmed that the SMS alerts were sent due to a technical glitch.
This means the system mistakenly pushed out automated messages that were not approved by FBR. PTA has now taken up the matter with the relevant telecom service providers and assured that the issue will be fixed on priority.
For now, these SMS alerts should not be considered official notices.
Why This Issue Matters for Taxpayers
Tax alerts from FBR often create urgency. People worry about penalties, deadlines, and compliance rules. So when an unplanned message goes out, it causes stress and misinformation.
In Pakistan, income tax filing has become an annual challenge for many salaried individuals, freelancers, and business owners. Any unexpected reminder can disrupt planning and raise questions about the status of their tax return.
This is why FBR stepped in quickly to clear the confusion and reassure citizens.
FBR Assures Full Support to Taxpayers
FBR has emphasised that it is always available for assistance.
Taxpayers can use:
- FBR helpline
- Online complaint system
- Regional tax offices
- IRIS portal messaging
The authority also reminded people to only trust verified FBR numbers and official websites for any tax-related communication.
Will There Be Any Action on Telecom Companies?
PTA is currently reviewing the issue. If the glitch is found to be due to negligence, PTA may ask operators to improve their messaging controls and prevent such incidents in the future.
For now, the matter is being resolved, and no penalties or enforcement actions have been announced.
Should Taxpayers Worry About This SMS?
No.
FBR has made it clear:
- The SMS was not official
- No new deadline has been announced
- No action is required from taxpayers
- Future alerts will only come from authorised channels
If a taxpayer still feels unsure, they can verify their status through the IRIS portal.
What to Do If You Receive Such Messages Again
Here are quick steps to stay safe:
- Check FBR’s official website for updates.
- Confirm using IRIS login if you doubt your filing status.
- Do not share personal details with unknown numbers.
- Report suspicious messages to PTA or FBR.
Staying alert helps prevent scams and keeps your tax journey smooth.
Conclusion
This incident shows how sensitive tax communication can be. A small technical mistake triggered nationwide confusion. The quick clarification by FBR and PTA has helped reduce panic and restore confidence. Taxpayers can continue with their routine and wait for official announcements through authentic platforms.
