In Pakistan, the last date for filing income tax returns was 31st October. It’s been almost one months and 5 days now (almost 5 weeks)— but let’s be honest: nobody has received an automatic tax refund and obviously nobody will.
Because in Pakistan, refunds are NOT automatic.
Even if your tax return shows a clear refundable amount, you still have to:
• file a separate refund application
• run after the FBR office
• face unnecessary delays, objections, and “stupidities”
• and in many cases… deal with demand for bribes just to get your own money back
This is the exact opposite of what happens internationally.
In the USA, UK, India, Singapore, etc., refunds are fully automatic.
Once you file your return, the system processes it and, if any amount is refundable, it is directly deposited into your bank account within 5–6 weeks. No applications. No officers. No bribes. No running around.
This is why taxpayers in those countries trust the system.
The state respects the taxpayer.
When will Pakistan reach this basic level of transparency and automation?
Real reforms are not squeezing existing taxpayers again and again.
Real reforms are building systems where taxpayers are treated fairly, refunds are automatic, and people actually feel that paying tax leads to something positive.
Someone needs to tell the Chairman FBR that reforms don’t mean burdening the same taxpayers like salaried class —
Reforms mean fixing the system.