The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has suspended the mandatory QR code login requirement for its IRIS platform, the primary online tax filing system used by taxpayers across Pakistan. The move comes after a complaint was filed with the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Regional Secretariat in Peshawar, raising concerns about the accessibility and functionality of the login process.
The IRIS platform is central to Pakistan’s tax administration system, enabling individuals and businesses to file returns, manage tax records, and interact digitally with the FBR. In recent months, users had been required to log in through a QR code-based mechanism, which the tax authority had introduced as part of broader efforts to enhance security and ensure verified taxpayer access. However, this change quickly drew criticism from some quarters, with users reporting difficulties in accessing the system due to technical glitches and limited device compatibility.
According to a tax expert familiar with the matter, the complaint filed with the FTO was directly related to the mandatory QR code login process. Taxpayers argued that the requirement created unnecessary hurdles, particularly for individuals with limited access to smartphones or stable internet connections. Businesses also highlighted the potential impact on compliance timelines, as login issues delayed the filing process.
Responding to the complaint, the FBR formally communicated to the FTO Regional Secretariat in Peshawar that the QR code requirement has now been suspended. This suspension effectively restores the previous login method, allowing taxpayers to access IRIS without needing to scan a QR code. Officials confirmed that this decision is aimed at easing taxpayer concerns and ensuring smoother access to the online system during the ongoing filing cycle.
The suspension is expected to resolve the complaint raised with the FTO while providing relief to thousands of taxpayers who rely on IRIS for mandatory submissions. For the FBR, the development highlights the balancing act between introducing digital innovations for tax administration and maintaining ease of use for end users.
While QR code logins were introduced to strengthen system security and safeguard taxpayer information, experts believe the rollout may not have been sufficiently supported with user awareness, technical guidance, and alternative access methods. The decision to temporarily suspend the feature suggests that the FBR may review its implementation strategy, potentially reintroducing enhanced security features at a later stage with better taxpayer facilitation.
Tax professionals have welcomed the move, noting that accessibility must remain at the forefront of any digital transformation in tax systems. They argue that while security is critical, it should not come at the cost of usability or compliance challenges. Ensuring that systems are intuitive, reliable, and widely accessible is essential for promoting voluntary compliance and achieving Pakistan’s broader tax reforms.
The FBR’s decision also underscores the importance of the Federal Tax Ombudsman in addressing taxpayer grievances and ensuring accountability in tax administration. By responding swiftly to the complaint, the FBR has signaled its willingness to adapt policies in response to stakeholder feedback, an approach that could help build greater trust in the system.
As Pakistan continues its digital transition in tax management, the IRIS system remains a cornerstone of the FBR’s modernization agenda. The suspension of the QR code login requirement provides taxpayers with immediate relief, but it also raises broader questions about how digital tools can be designed and implemented to balance security, efficiency, and accessibility. The coming months may reveal whether the FBR intends to revisit the login process with alternative solutions or focus on refining existing access methods to align with both taxpayer convenience and digital security standards.
