Federal Board of Revenue has introduced key updates to its IRIS 2.0 system to make password and account recovery simpler for taxpayers across Pakistan. For years, individuals who lost access to their old mobile numbers faced major difficulties in resetting their FBR passwords. They were often forced to visit Regional Tax Offices in person or rely on intermediaries charging high fees, leading to unnecessary delays in filing returns. The newly added features aim to remove these hurdles and support a smoother, more convenient digital tax filing experience for users wherever they are located.
Under the updated system, the Account Recovery option now complements the existing Forgot Password feature, allowing users to reset their credentials using their registered mobile numbers even if these numbers were not previously linked to their accounts. This change has been welcomed by many as a practical step towards reducing inconvenience for taxpayers, particularly for those who relocate frequently or work outside their home cities. By enabling direct access to password resets without visiting offices, FBR is promoting greater self-service and independence for individuals managing their tax obligations. The shift also reflects a growing emphasis on user-friendly digital platforms in Pakistan’s public sector, supporting citizens as they adopt online services more extensively.
Along with improving password and account recovery, FBR has also enhanced the New Registration tab in IRIS 2.0. New taxpayers are now required to provide their CNIC, its expiry date, date of birth and full name at the time of registration. Previously, CNIC expiry or date of birth was optional, which often created verification challenges and slowed down the registration process. By making these fields mandatory, FBR is strengthening identity verification and improving the reliability of its database. These improvements will help ensure that new users can register accurately and access services without repeated errors or follow-ups, streamlining one of the most common entry points into Pakistan’s digital tax system.
These reforms are part of a broader effort by FBR to simplify compliance and reduce the need for in-person visits to tax offices. In an environment where more people are living and working in different cities or even abroad, the ability to manage tax obligations remotely is increasingly important. By embedding these changes into IRIS 2.0, FBR is signalling its intent to modernise its platforms and make digital tax management a practical option for everyone. The updates represent a continued shift toward responsive and accessible digital services for taxpayers, ensuring that individuals can complete essential processes with fewer barriers and greater confidence in the system’s security and accuracy.
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