The FBR tax filing deadline has been extended to October 15 for the financial year 2024-2025, giving taxpayers additional time to submit their income tax returns. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) announced the extension on Tuesday through a circular issued under Section 214(A) of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.
The decision to extend the FBR tax filing deadline came after repeated requests from business associations, tax bar associations, and the general public. FBR clarified that this extension is aimed at easing the burden on taxpayers who were struggling to meet the original September 30 deadline, ensuring they can comply with their legal obligations without unnecessary pressure.
Just a day earlier, the FBR had stated that the FBR tax filing deadline would not be extended beyond September 30. At that time, the authority had urged taxpayers to submit their returns “accurately and honestly” by the due date, warning that late filers would face penalties and risk being categorised as non-compliant under the law.
Business groups, however, continued to appeal for relief. The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) requested that the FBR tax filing deadline be extended until October 31 to accommodate the business community. In a joint statement, LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad, Senior Vice President Engineer Khalid Usman, and Vice President Shahid Nazir Chaudhry urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, and FBR Chairman Rashid Langrial to provide taxpayers with additional time.
According to LCCI leaders, devastating floods in several parts of the country, coupled with technical issues in the online IRIS filing system, have made it difficult for many taxpayers to meet the original date. They stressed that the business community is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and deserves a flexible approach from the government when it comes to the FBR tax filing deadline.
Similarly, the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry called for the FBR tax filing deadline to be extended by 48 days. Chamber President Muhammad Saleem Memon cited system changes in the IRIS portal and the flood situation in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh as major obstacles preventing timely filing. He emphasized that the extension was necessary to avoid undue penalties and hardships for taxpayers.
With the new extension, the FBR tax filing deadline now stands at October 15, offering much-needed relief to individuals and businesses alike.
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