ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has notified new procedures for electronic scrutiny and intimation of discrepancies in sales tax returns.

Through SRO1655 of 2026, the FBR has inserted Chapter XII-A in the Sales Tax Rules 2006, which lays down the procedure for computerised analysis and cross-matching of data relating to registered persons.

The system will electronically analyse returns and other available data, flagging factual or legal discrepancies. Taxpayers will receive advance intimation through Inland Revenue Information System (Iris), allowing them to clarify or rectify errors before any legal or penal action is initiated.

The rules stipulate that taxpayers must be given at least seven days to respond to such intimations, with reminders issued if no reply is received.

All communications, responses, and subsequent actions will be recorded in a dedicated dashboard, ensuring transparency and traceability.

Published in Dawn, September 29th, 2026