ISLAMABAD — In a major policy reversal, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) extended the Income Tax Return Deadline for Tax Year 2025 until October 15. The board announced the decision late Tuesday night under Section 214A of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.
The extension arrived just hours before the original September 30 deadline was set to expire. FBR officials said they responded to repeated appeals from trade bodies, tax bar associations, and the general public. The move aims to facilitate taxpayers and improve compliance across the country.
This shift marks a clear departure from FBR’s earlier stance. Just a day prior, the board urged taxpayers to file returns before the deadline. It also issued a firm statement rejecting any possibility of an extension and dismissed social media reports suggesting otherwise.
Additionally, FBR denied claims linking the deadline extension to recent floods. Officials called such reports “false, baseless, and misleading.” They also refuted allegations about the Integrated Risk Information System (Iris) slowing down, describing those claims as “unfounded.”
Despite its initial position, FBR yielded to mounting pressure from various quarters. The Income Tax Return Deadline extension eases the burden on filers and encourages broader participation. Many stakeholders raised concerns over technical issues, time constraints, and accessibility challenges.
An official statement emphasized that the board made the decision in the public interest. FBR encouraged all eligible taxpayers to take advantage of the extended timeline and fulfill their obligations without delay. The board reiterated its commitment to transparency, responsiveness, and taxpayer facilitation.
With the new deadline now set for October 15, individuals and businesses gain additional time to complete their filings. This extension reflects FBR’s willingness to adapt, listen, and engage constructively with public feedback. It also signals a more flexible approach to tax administration in Pakistan.
For climate-related news stories, kindly visit our website: The Green Post
