The Launch of PRA IRIS: A New Era in Sales Tax Filing or Just More of the Same?

The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) has introduced a new portal for monthly sales tax filing, dubbed “PRA IRIS - A NEW EXPERIENCE.” This portal, which can be accessed [here](https://e.pra.punjab.gov.pk/public/txplogin.xhtml), aims to modernize the filing process for taxpayers within Punjab. However, upon closer inspection, it appears that this "new experience" is more of a mirror image of the existing “Iris” portal managed by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). 

Transition from e.pra to PRA IRIS

With the launch of the PRA IRIS portal, the previous filing platform, “e.pra,” has ceased to provide the updated monthly sales tax return form for August 2024. This move requires all local and global service providers operating in Punjab, as well as sales tax withholding agents, to transition to the new system for their filings. While the introduction of a new portal often signifies improvements, our team’s experience with PRA IRIS has brought several issues to light.

Key Issues with PRA IRIS

1. Resetting of the PIN: One of the first challenges encountered by users upon logging into the new PRA IRIS portal is the requirement to reset their PIN. While this step is presumably intended to enhance security, it can cause confusion and inconvenience, especially for users who frequently access both the old and new portals. We strongly recommend that users retain the same PIN across both platforms to maintain consistency and ease of use. This simple step can save time and reduce the likelihood of login issues when switching between the portals.

2. Lack of Excel-Template for Invoice Uploads: A significant drawback of the PRA IRIS portal is the absence of the Excel-template functionality for uploading invoices. This feature has been a standard offering across federal and provincial tax filing platforms for years, allowing users the flexibility to either manually input their data or upload it via an Excel sheet. The omission of this functionality in the new portal is particularly problematic for users needing to submit various annexures, such as Annexure-C, Annexure-A, and Annexure-D. 

The Need for User Advocacy: The issues identified with the PRA IRIS portal underscore the importance of user feedback in the development and refinement of tax filing systems. We urge all users, including trade bodies, professional associations, and tax bars, to communicate these concerns to the Punjab Revenue Authority. By advocating for the reinstatement of critical functionalities like the Excel-upload option, we can help ensure that the new portal truly meets the needs of all users and facilitates an efficient filing process.

 Conclusion

The launch of PRA IRIS was intended to herald a new era in sales tax filing for taxpayers in Punjab. However, the initial experience has highlighted several areas where the portal falls short of expectations. By addressing these issues promptly, the Punjab Revenue Authority can deliver on its promise of providing a streamlined and user-friendly tax filing experience. Until then, it remains to be seen whether PRA IRIS will live up to its name as "A NEW EXPERIENCE" or simply be seen as more of the same.

Stay informed and engaged, and don’t hesitate to make your voice heard on these critical issues. The success of this new portal depends not just on the technology behind it, but on the active participation and feedback from its users.

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