More than 3.9 million taxpayers have submitted their income tax returns online for the 2025–26 fiscal year, marking a record level of digital participation, according to the National Board of Revenue. The figure was disclosed in an official statement issued on Tuesday, reflecting a steady rise in public engagement with the country’s electronic tax filing system.
The revenue authority attributed the surge to the simplified and transparent nature of the e-return platform, which has significantly reduced procedural complexities traditionally associated with tax submission. Officials observed that the streamlined system has encouraged broader participation among individual taxpayers across all age groups and professions.
Under current regulations, all individual taxpayers are required to submit their income tax returns online by 28 February 2025 for the 2025–26 tax year. The National Board of Revenue reiterated that failure to meet the deadline may result in financial penalties and administrative complications in completing statutory procedures.
To facilitate compliance among citizens residing abroad, the authority has introduced a special registration mechanism. This new arrangement enables expatriate taxpayers to reset passwords and complete registration using a one-time password sent to their registered email address, rather than relying solely on mobile phone verification. The initiative particularly benefits those who had previously registered in the e-return system using biometric mobile numbers but are currently unable to access mobile-based verification codes while overseas.
Officials further noted that online submission has substantially reduced both time and financial costs for taxpayers. Digital filing also enhances the accuracy of information provided, thereby accelerating the assessment process and strengthening overall transparency within the tax administration framework.
Below is a summary of preliminary statistics for the 2025–26 fiscal year:
| Category | Approximate Number of Online Returns | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Individual taxpayers | 3,900,000 | Includes taxpayers of all ages and professions |
| Taxpayers residing abroad | 120,000 | Eligible for email-based one-time password verification |
| Newly registered taxpayers | 250,000 | Completed registration through the online platform |
The National Board of Revenue expressed optimism that the growing adoption of electronic filing will enhance tax awareness and promote a culture of voluntary compliance. The authority also emphasised that sustained digital engagement is essential for building a more efficient, accountable and modern revenue system in the years ahead.
Taxpayers have been urged to take timely action to avoid last-minute congestion on the online platform and to ensure uninterrupted compliance with statutory obligations.