Islamabad, September 30, 2024 – In a move that has disappointed millions of taxpayers across the country, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Monday confirmed that it will not be extending the deadline for the submission of income tax returns for the tax year 2024.
The decision, announced just hours before the midnight deadline, left many taxpayers scrambling to complete their filings.
Contrary to widespread media speculation about a possible extension, the FBR issued an unequivocal statement, declaring that no such relief would be granted. “There will be no extension in the deadline for filing income tax returns for the financial year 2024,” the FBR clarified, adding that reports suggesting otherwise were entirely baseless. The announcement came as a final directive to taxpayers, urging them to comply with the existing deadline to avoid penalties.
With the clock ticking, the FBR called on all individuals and businesses who had yet to file their returns to do so without further delay. The tax authority reminded taxpayers of the legal ramifications of failing to meet the deadline, which includes potential fines, penalties, and other legal consequences. “We urge all taxpayers to submit their income tax returns immediately to avoid legal action,” the FBR’s statement warned, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
Despite the FBR’s firm stance, many taxpayers and tax professionals continued to hope for a last-minute extension, citing various technical challenges faced during the online filing process. Numerous complaints have surfaced about system glitches on the FBR’s electronic portal, which many claim has caused significant delays in completing the filing process. Tax practitioners have voiced frustration, arguing that the system’s technical issues should warrant an extension to ensure fairness for all filers.
“The online system has been inconsistent, causing interruptions in filing returns. Many taxpayers have been unable to submit their returns due to these system failures,” said a leading tax consultant. Calls for an extension have grown louder, with many taxpayers expressing concern over potential penalties if they are unable to meet the deadline due to no fault of their own.
However, the FBR remained unmoved, reiterating that the deadline is final. Taxpayers are now left with the daunting task of resolving their filing issues before the midnight cut-off, as any failure to comply will result in strict legal enforcement.
As the deadline approaches, taxpayers await to see whether the FBR will reconsider its decision in response to the growing calls for leniency. However, with the official stance unchanged, the pressure is mounting for millions to file within the limited time frame available.
