Karachi, October 13, 2024 – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is likely to further extend the deadline for filing income tax returns for the tax year 2024 due to the public holidays declared in Islamabad.
The extension comes in light of the three-day public holiday (October 14–16), announced by the federal government in the capital due to the Conference of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
The deadline for filing returns was initially extended from September 30 to October 14, 2024, but the unexpected closure of government offices during the upcoming holidays has disrupted tax filing operations. FBR headquarters, located in Islamabad, will remain closed throughout this period, impeding the administrative functions necessary to assist taxpayers during the final days of the extended deadline.
Despite the possibility of another extension, FBR Chairman has consistently expressed a firm stance against further delays. In a recent interview, he categorically asserted that the filing deadline would not be extended beyond October 14, and that the tax authority is prepared to launch a comprehensive crackdown on non-compliant taxpayers following the cutoff date. Nevertheless, the holiday-induced shutdown in Islamabad might force the agency to reconsider its rigid position.
The looming extension has created a mixed response from stakeholders. While FBR has reported record-breaking submissions of tax returns for 2024, individual taxpayers, business communities, and tax bar associations have remained unusually silent on demanding an official extension. This contrasts with previous years, where such groups were vocal about filing difficulties and requested more time to comply with tax regulations.
However, according to a senior tax consultant, unresolved issues persist with the FBR’s online tax filing portal. One notable problem involves the automatic deletion of draft returns, causing frustration among taxpayers attempting to meet the deadline. The consultant emphasized that these technical issues have been repeatedly flagged by tax professionals and urged the FBR to extend the deadline to ensure all taxpayers can successfully submit their returns.
Given the confluence of technical difficulties and the disruption caused by the Islamabad holidays, an official announcement on the potential extension is expected soon. For now, taxpayers nationwide await clarification from the FBR, hoping for more time to fulfill their obligations without penalties. The decision will not only impact compliance but also set the tone for the FBR’s enforcement strategy in the upcoming fiscal year.