FBR’s New AI Chat Assistant — A Step Forward or Just Another Experiment?
By introducing its brand-new AI Chat Assistant on its official website, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has taken yet another step toward digital transformation. This tool is intended to assist taxpayers by providing them with online tax guidance and basic question answers.
The chatbot is still undergoing testing as it is presently in its public beta stage. In order to improve it over time, FBR has requested that users test it out and provide feedback.
What the Chatbot Can Do?
The AI Assistant can answer general tax questions using information from existing laws, rules, and FBR regulations. It’s like having a quick online help desk that can guide you about tax filing, registration, or compliance steps — anytime you need it.
FBR has made it clear, however, that the chatbot’s answers are not official or binding. That is, it should be able to teach you the fundamentals, but not replace professional or legal advice.
The Main Issue: Outdated Data
Although this seems to be a beneficial and modern project, there is a huge problem: although Pakistan has already begun Tax Year 2026, the AI system does not go beyond Tax Year 2024.
As a result of this, the majority of the reactions of the chatbot will not consider the recent changes brought about by the Finance Act 2025, including the addition of new slabs of taxation, amended filing processes, and “Eligible” and “Ineligible” taxpayer categories.
Thus, most tax specialists believe that the rollout seems somewhat “half-baked” as it was introduced before it was fully ready.
Nevertheless, it’s a positive step.
FBR has previously tried computer programs against their wishes. In recent years, they have implemented a number of online programs and mechanisms, including the POS Integration System, the IRIS Portal, and the Tajir Dost Scheme, to simplify and increase the transparency of tax payment.
Thus, even if the AI Chat Assistant is not perfect yet, it’s still in the right direction to modernize taxpayer services. With regular updates and integration with real-time FBR data, it could eventually become a game-changer for millions of taxpayers who struggle with confusing tax forms and processes.
Things Taxpayers Need to Know
Remember these things if you intend to use the FBR AI Assistant:
• It is useful for broad inquiries rather than specific or formal responses.
• Always check information on the FBR primary website or consult with a tax professional.
• Keep updated on the latest policies, especially considering the changes introduced by the Finance Act 2025.
Don’t forget that while technology can be helpful, actual compliance ultimately relies on being educated and timely filing.
Concluding remarks
The introduction of the FBR AI Chat Assistant demonstrates the government’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance public services. It’s not perfect — not yet — but it’s a good start.
This chatbot can potentially make tax filing easy, efficient, and stress-free for all if FBR continues to improve and update it.
For now, let’s call it what it is — a potential first step toward more enlightened taxpayer assistance. Whether it becomes a success tale or another discarded experiment depends on how interested FBR is in getting it done.