The Pakistan Tax Bar Association (PTBA) and Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry have requested an extension to the deadline for filing income tax returns for the tax year 2025.
In a letter sent to the chairperson of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the PTBA emphasised the challenges posed by the recent climate-induced disasters, including heavy rains and widespread flooding, which have impacted Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh, as well as other regions across the country.
The PTBA pointed out that the September 30 deadline for filing returns was rapidly approaching but noted that due to the destruction caused by the floods, it would be difficult for taxpayers to meet the deadline.
The association requested that the filing period be extended by at least one month, moving the deadline to October 31, 2025, with the possibility of further extensions if necessary.
In addition to the natural calamities, the PTBA raised concerns about ongoing technical issues with the FBR’s IRIS software, which have made it challenging for taxpayers to file their returns efficiently. Despite some improvements in mid-August, the system has continued to face disruptions, affecting taxpayers’ ability to submit accurate returns on time.
The PTBA referred to Section 118 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, which allows taxpayers 90 days from the close of the financial year to file their returns. Given the current circumstances, the PTBA urged the FBR to consider the extension request to ease the burden on taxpayers and allow them to comply without facing penalties.
Meanwhile, in Faisalabad, Rehan Naseem Bharara, President of the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI), echoed similar concerns. He called on the government to extend the tax filing deadline, highlighting the damage caused to agricultural land and infrastructure due to the floods. With more than 6.3% of Punjab’s agricultural land submerged, Bharara noted the widespread disruptions that have made it challenging for businesses and individuals to meet the current deadline.
Bharara stressed that the extension would not only ease the burden on those affected but also help ensure broader compliance and support revenue collection, especially during this challenging time.
