“My income, my taxes—capitalizing on fear, prioritize civic responsibility, not business”

Your income, your taxes. Yet many of us lag behind in taking responsibility. Far from paying taxes, many are afraid of the process of filing income tax returns. For a long time, filing income tax meant a complicated process, filling in numerous forms, visiting offices, and often relying on tax consultants. But times have changed. Today, the government has simplified the tax filing process, launched online services. It is possible to file returns easily from home. However, it is sad to say that lack of awareness among us and a class of misleading propaganda are hindering this positive change.

According to the National Board of Revenue (NBR), as of February 2025, there were about 1.14 crore TIN holders in the country, but only 39.86 lakh taxpayers have filed returns—that is, about 35 percent participation. On the positive side, there has been tremendous progress in filing returns online. While only 5.27 lakh returns were submitted online in the 2023-24 fiscal year, it has increased to 17.12 lakh in the 2024-25 fiscal year—a 225 percent increase. However, there are challenges as well—out of the returns submitted online, almost 1 million are zero-income returns. This proves that many are just completing formalities and are reluctant to pay actual taxes.

Meanwhile, some tax practitioners are spreading fear on social media and various platforms. They are creating panic in the minds of taxpayers by talking about various unwanted complications. As if the government has simplified the income tax process, their businesses are under threat. As a result, ordinary taxpayers are getting confused and discouraged from filing their returns themselves. The impact of this is not limited to the individual level; the state is also suffering as a result. If tax collection decreases, development is hampered, and the country's economic stability is also at risk.

So the question is, why can't we file our own taxes? Looking at developed countries, the picture is completely different. In Canada, about 90 percent of taxpayers file their returns online. In the United States, about 53 percent of taxpayers use online software, although only 13 percent file their returns completely themselves. This self-reliance has made their tax system transparent and efficient. With the help of technology, they can file their returns in a few minutes. And we? We are still stuck in a cycle of rumors and fear.

To make the government's tax filing simplification initiative successful, citizens need to be aware. We need to know that filing income tax returns is not a difficult task. By going to the NBR website and filling out the form with the correct information, any person can automatically submit their returns. There is no risk or complication in this. Rather, through this, you can have full control over your financial information, avoid unnecessary expenses, and contribute directly to the development of the country by paying taxes.

Remember, if you evade tax liability, you are not only violating the law, but also isolating yourself from the development of the state. Roads, bridges, hospitals, schools are built with your contributions. Therefore, paying taxes and filing returns is not a kindness; it is both your right and responsibility.

In addition to raising awareness, the government also has something to do. The online filing process must be made easier, help centers must be made effective, and strict measures must be taken against misleading propaganda. A clear message must be conveyed to the public—filing taxes is not difficult, but rather it is an indicator of good citizenship.

If we file our taxes ourselves, we will not only have a positive impact on the individual level, but also on the national economy. Self-reliance will increase, pressure on the tax administration will decrease, and transparency will be ensured.

So now is the time to abandon fear and take responsibility. Remember—your awareness strengthens the state, your responsibility builds a better future. Declare your income yourself, file returns online, and inspire others. This is the biggest need today to move forward on the path to a better world.

Author: Md. Suruj Ali - Editor & Publisher
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