The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) confirmed on Saturday that the deadline for filing tax returns will not be extended beyond September 30. FBR spokesperson Bakhtiar Muhammad, speaking to Geo News, clarified that unlike previous years, when the deadline was often pushed forward, this year no extension will be granted. As a result, September 30 will be the final date for all taxpayers to submit their returns.
In the past, the FBR had a tradition of providing extensions, allowing taxpayers additional time to file their returns. For example, last year, the deadline was extended to October 31. However, this year the FBR has decided to adopt a stricter approach, especially as the government is focusing on increasing revenue collection and expanding the tax net amidst the country’s challenging economic situation.
The current administration, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, introduced a tax-heavy budget in June as part of its efforts to secure a new bailout agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). While the agreement has been reached, it is now awaiting approval from the IMF’s executive board. In this context, the FBR is taking all necessary measures to meet its tax collection targets.
According to Bakhtiar Muhammad, filing tax returns by the September 30 deadline is a legal requirement. Although some individuals may face difficulties, they can request extensions from their respective tax commissioners under specific circumstances. However, this extension will be granted on a case-by-case basis and will not apply to the general public.
To address concerns about individuals missing the deadline, Bakhtiar reminded taxpayers that they have had three months to file their returns, starting from July 1. “If they had the intention to file, they would have done so by now,” he said.
Recent reports suggest the FBR is also considering strict measures to tackle any potential tax shortfall, including freezing bank accounts and restricting property and vehicle purchases for tax evaders.
