Telecom companies issued unauthorised messages to non-filers, FBR tells PTA

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has informed Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) that the telecom service providers issued return filing messages to non-filers without authorization of the FBR.

The FBR Monday clarified erroneous tax return SMS issued by Telecom service providers.

Each year in September, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) approaches Pakistan Telecommunication Auth-ority (PTA) to send customized text messages reminding taxpayers to file their income tax returns before the statutory deadline. In line with this practice, this year FBR requested PTA on 15 September, 2025 to send messages to taxpayers to file their tax returns ahead of the 30 September, 2025 filing deadline. Accordingly, all such messages were sent before the deadline.

Today, however, the FBR has received multiple complaints from taxpayers who have received SMS messages purportedly from various telecom service providers asking them to file their income tax returns for Tax Year 2025 before the 30 September, 2025 deadline, which has already passed, the FBR said.

Upon inquiry, it has been confirmed that FBR has not authorized issuance of these messages. It appears that the messages were transmitted inadvertently by the telecom service providers due to a technical glitch on their part.

On further inquiry, PTA has informed that these messages have been transmitted due to a technical glitch on part of telecom service providers.

The FBR is actively looking into the matter and PTA has been requested to engage with the relevant telecom operators to ensure timely resolution of the issue. The FBR is always available for esteemed taxpayers for any assistance and remains committed to facilitating them and ensuring clear and accurate communication at all times, the FBR added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025