The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has implemented a 60-day password expiry policy for its IRIS online portal to enhance the security of taxpayers’ accounts. While this policy may appear stringent at first glance, it is straightforward to manage if you understand its requirements and follow a few simple tips. Here’s a detailed guide to help you handle FBR’s password update requirements with ease.
Understanding FBR’s Password Expiry Policy
The password expiry policy mandates users to update their IRIS account passwords every 60 days. However, this doesn’t mean you need to visit the FBR website every two months just to change your password. The necessity for frequent password changes depends on the frequency of your account usage:
- Individual Taxpayers Filing Annually: If you log in to your IRIS account only once a year during the tax return filing season, you don’t need to worry about the 60-day cycle. You can log in with your last known password, and the system will prompt you to update it to a new password before proceeding.
- Companies and Sales Tax Registered Entities: These entities often file monthly or quarterly returns, requiring more frequent account access. As such, they need to ensure their password is updated every 60 days to comply with the policy.
Tips to Manage Password Changes
1. Keep Your Profile Information Updated
Ensure your registered email address and mobile number in the IRIS portal are always current. These are critical for resetting your password if you lose access. Keeping this information updated avoids unnecessary delays in case you forget your password or it expires.
2. Save Your Password Safely
Always store your last used password securely. This is particularly important for individual taxpayers who may only access their IRIS account once a year. If you have your last known password, you can log in, even if it has expired, and update it to a new one before proceeding. Use a password manager to keep your credentials secure and accessible.
3. Use the “Forgot Password” Option If Necessary
If you’ve lost or forgotten your last password, you can easily reset it using the “Forgot Password” feature on the IRIS portal. Follow these steps:
- Click on the “Forgot Password” option on the login page.
- Enter your registered email address and mobile number for verification.
- Complete the verification process and follow the instructions to create a new password.
4. Set Strong and Memorable Passwords
While updating your password, ensure it meets the FBR’s security requirements by including a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Choose something secure but memorable to avoid frequent resets.
Filing Returns with an Expired Password
For individual taxpayers who log in annually:
- If your password has expired, simply enter your last used password at login. The system will prompt you to set a new password before granting access.
- Update your password and proceed to file your tax returns.
For companies or sales tax registered entities:
- Ensure your password is updated every two months since frequent filings are required. Regular logins will naturally keep you on track with the 60-day update cycle.
Why the Password Policy Exists
This policy is a security measure to protect taxpayers from unauthorized access to their sensitive data. By requiring regular password updates, the FBR ensures that even if a password is compromised, its utility remains limited. It reduces the risk of fraud and enhances the integrity of the tax filing process.
Final Thoughts
The FBR’s 60-day password expiry policy, while an added step, is a vital security feature to protect your tax records. By maintaining updated profile information and securely saving your last used password, you can navigate this requirement effortlessly. For businesses and entities filing monthly or quarterly, integrating the password update into regular filing routines ensures compliance. Remember, this system is in place to safeguard your financial data, ensuring a secure and reliable experience on the IRIS platform.
