ByLahore, Pakistan: The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has expressed concerns over the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) recent policy requiring taxpayers to change their passwords every two months. In a letter to FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial, LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad stated that this frequent password change requirement could create significant challenges for businesses, particularly SMEs.
Concerns Raised by LCCI:
- Burden on Businesses: Frequent password changes can be burdensome for businesses, especially those with limited technical resources. SMEs may find it difficult to manage frequent password updates, potentially leading to missed deadlines and disruptions in their operations.
- Strain on the IRIS System: The increased number of password resets and account recovery requests could overwhelm the IRIS system, causing delays and technical issues for taxpayers.
- Security Alternatives: LCCI has suggested alternative security measures such as two-factor authentication (2FA) as more effective and less burdensome options for enhancing security.
Focus on Taxpayer Convenience:
Mian Abuzar Shad emphasized that while security is paramount, the FBR should prioritize the convenience of taxpayers. He urged the FBR to reconsider the policy and explore alternative security measures that strike a balance between security and ease of use for taxpayers.
Impact on SMEs:
The LCCI highlighted that SMEs are already facing numerous challenges in the current economic climate. The added burden of frequent password changes could further strain their operations and hinder their ability to comply with tax obligations.
The LCCI’s concerns underscore the need for a balanced approach to cybersecurity. While security is crucial, it is equally important to ensure that tax compliance measures do not create undue burdens on taxpayers, particularly SMEs.
