Filing your income tax return in Pakistan correctly is crucial to avoid penalties, audits, and unnecessary tax liabilities. Many taxpayers make avoidable mistakes that lead to FBR notices, fines, or even legal consequences.

At ICT (Institute of Corporate Training), we offer FBR tax training courses to help individuals and businesses file accurate returns while maximizing deductions.

10 Common Income Tax Filing Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

1. Missing the Deadline (June 30 for Salaried Individuals)

❌ Mistake: Late filing (penalty: 0.1% daily of payable tax)
✅ Solution:

• Mark June 30as the deadline for salaried individuals
• Businesses must file by September 30

2. Incorrect NTN or CNIC Details

❌ Mistake: Wrong NTN or CNIC blocks refund processing
✅ Solution:

• Double-check before submission
• Verify via FBR’s IRIS portal

3. Not Reporting All Income Sources

❌ Mistake: Omitting rental, freelance, or foreign income
✅ Solution:

• Declare all earnings(salary, business, property, investments)
• Keep bank statements as proof

4. Ignoring Tax Credits & Deductions

❌ Mistake: Missing out on tax rebates (e.g., health expenses, education fees)
✅ Solution:

• Claim Section 62 deductions(up to PKR 1.5M for salaried)
• Keep receipts for donations (Zakat, charities)

5. Mathematical Errors in Calculations

❌ Mistake: Wrong tax liability due to calculation mistakes
✅ Solution:

• Use FBR’s tax calculator
• Cross-verify with a tax consultant

6. Not Filing Electronically (E-Filing is Mandatory)

❌ Mistake: Submitting paper returns (delays processing)
✅ Solution:

• File via FBR IRIS portal(https://iris.fbr.gov.pk)

7. Failing to Reconcile Withholding Taxes

❌ Mistake: Not adjusting advance tax (WHT) deducted by employers/banks
✅ Solution:

• Collect WHT certificates (Form 15, 16, 23, etc.)
• Report in Annex C of the return

8. Not Keeping Proper Records

❌ Mistake: No documentation for deductions/income (risks audit)
✅ Solution:

• Maintain 6 years of records(FBR can audit past filings)

9. Choosing the Wrong Return Form

❌ Mistake: Salaried individuals filing as “AOP” or “Business”
✅ Solution:

• Salaried: Form 114
• Business: Form 115

10. Ignoring FBR Notices

❌ Mistake: Not responding to FBR notices (leads to penalties)
✅ Solution:

• Check IRIS portal messages regularly
• Seek professional help if audited

ICT’s FBR Tax Training Courses

Avoid these mistakes with our expert-led tax training:
✅ FBR E-Filing Certification – Step-by-step return filing
✅ Tax Deduction & Compliance Course – Maximize savings legally
✅ FBR Audit Defense Training – Handle notices professionally

🔗 Enroll Now: ICT Tax Courses

Final Tips for Accurate Tax Filing

✔ File early (avoid last-minute errors)
✔ Use FBR’s tax calculators
✔ Consult a tax expert for complex cases

📞 Need help? Contact ICT Tax Consultants today!