The Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) announced on Saturday that it will not extend the September 30 deadline for submitting tax returns.
“Historically, a facility used to be given [to the masses] by extending the overall deadline. However, this time the decision has been made that the date [for submission of tax returns] will not be extended and September 30 will be the last date to file tax returns,” said FBR spokesperson Bakhtiar Muhammad while speaking to Geo News.
In recent years, the FBR has typically extended the tax return submission deadline. Last year, for instance, the deadline was pushed to October 31.
However, the FBR appears determined to maintain a strict approach this time as the government works to expand the tax net and boost revenue amid ongoing economic challenges.
In June, the administration led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif introduced a tax-heavy budget that included an ambitious taxation plan aimed at securing a new bailout deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which has now been approved by the Fund’s executive board.
Explaining the decision not to extend the deadline, the spokesperson emphasized that it is a legal requirement to submit tax returns by September 30.
While acknowledging that some filers may struggle to meet this deadline, he noted that individuals could reach out to their respective tax commissioners to request an individual extension as allowed by law.
These extensions may be granted based on specific reasons, but the overall deadline for the country will not be pushed beyond September 30, he added.
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When asked about the potential impact on those unable to submit their tax returns, the FBR spokesperson reiterated that the authority had warned the public before the deadline.
He reminded that there are still nine days left to submit returns, stating, “There is a three-month period [for people] to file their tax returns from July 1 till September 30. If they wanted to submit their returns, they would have done so during this time.”
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