Record Online Tax Return Participation

A record number of taxpayers have submitted their income tax returns electronically in the 2025–26 fiscal year, marking a significant milestone in the country’s digital transformation of revenue administration. According to a recent statement issued by the National Board of Revenue, more than 3.9 million individuals have filed their returns through the electronic platform so far — the highest figure ever recorded for online submissions.

Revenue officials attribute this surge to the growing confidence of taxpayers in the simplicity, transparency and efficiency of the digital filing system. In previous years, taxpayers were often required to gather extensive paperwork, endure lengthy queues and navigate complex administrative procedures in person. The transition to an online system has substantially reduced these obstacles, encouraging voluntary compliance among individuals of various ages and professions.

Under the current regulations, all individual taxpayers are required to submit their returns for the 2025–26 tax year by 28 February 2025 through the online platform. The revenue authority has cautioned that failure to file within the stipulated deadline may result in financial penalties and additional administrative complications.

To facilitate compliance among citizens residing abroad, a special registration mechanism has been introduced. This arrangement enables identity verification through a one-time security code sent to a registered electronic address. The initiative is particularly beneficial for expatriate taxpayers who previously registered using biometric mobile numbers but encountered difficulties receiving mobile verification codes while overseas.

Officials have noted that electronic filing not only reduces time and costs for taxpayers but also enhances the accuracy of submitted information. As a result, assessment procedures can be completed more swiftly, strengthening overall transparency and accountability within the revenue system.

Preliminary Statistics for Fiscal Year 2025–26

The National Board of Revenue has expressed optimism that the continued growth of electronic submissions will promote greater tax awareness and foster a culture of voluntary compliance. Officials emphasised that digital participation is essential for building a modern, efficient and accountable revenue framework.

Taxpayers have been urged to submit their returns well before the deadline in order to avoid last-minute congestion on the system and to ensure uninterrupted fulfilment of their legal obligations. The authority believes that sustained engagement with digital services will further consolidate the progress achieved in modernising the country’s fiscal administration.