FBR refuses to extend income tax return filing deadline

ISLAMABAD:  The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has categorically ruled out any extension in the deadline for filing income tax returns for the tax year 2025, stating that September 30, 2025, remains the final date for submission.

In an official clarification issued on Monday, the FBR dismissed reports of a possible extension as “baseless and misleading.” It reaffirmed that taxpayers must file their returns by the set deadline to avoid penalties and legal action.

The revenue authority emphasized that the deadline will not be extended under any circumstances, urging individuals and businesses to ensure timely compliance with tax obligations.

The FBR rejected efforts to connect the flood expansion, saying that most taxpayers were not affected by the floods. They had enough time while the claims of slowdown the IRIS system were also wrong, the platform is fully active.

The FBR has warned that there will be the results of not submitting returns by the stipulated date.

Earlier, Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had started their second round of review talks on the ongoing loan program.

The discussions are focusing on revenue shortfalls, unresolved tax cases, and fiscal reforms, sources told on Friday.

According to officials from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the IMF was briefed on why tax collection targets were missed. The Fund urged Pakistan to speed up court cases linked to the FBR, especially those involving super tax disputes.

FBR officials said they expect to recover nearly Rs200 billion if the verdicts go in their favor.

The government team also informed the IMF that the recent floods caused tax losses of around Rs60 billion.

At the same time, the FBR asked for some relaxation in revenue targets. However, the IMF has not responded yet and instead pressed Pakistan to widen the tax net.