ISLAMABAD: In an effort to maximize revenue collection before the close of the fiscal quarter, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has directed all Inland Revenue offices to observe extended working hours on Wednesday, March 31, 2021.
According to a circular issued by the FBR on Tuesday, all Large Taxpayers Offices (LTOs), Medium Tax Office, Corporate Tax Offices, and Regional Tax Offices across the country are instructed to remain open until 7:00 PM on the specified date. This extension aims to facilitate taxpayers in the timely payment of duties and taxes and to ensure that maximum tax collection is recorded within the month of March.
The FBR has further advised chief commissioners of Inland Revenue to coordinate closely with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and authorized branches of the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP). This collaboration is necessary to ensure that all tax collection made by NBP branches on March 31 is transferred to SBP accounts on the same day. This step will help in accounting the collected amount towards March 2021’s revenue collection target.
To maintain operational efficiency without compromising health and safety, the FBR has instructed that only essential staff should be present in offices during the extended hours. The circular strictly mandates adherence to COVID-19 SOPs, including mask-wearing, social distancing, and minimal in-office attendance.
In addition to facilitating taxpayers, this decision is also intended to assist large businesses, importers, exporters, and commercial entities that require extra time to reconcile their payments by month-end. Many taxpayers face delays due to banking cutoffs and procedural issues; therefore, keeping the offices open longer provides a much-needed window for smoother compliance.
The FBR reiterated its commitment to enhancing the ease of doing business while maximizing tax collection. The institution emphasized that its field offices play a vital role in ensuring that national revenue goals are met in a timely and transparent manner.
Furthermore, the FBR urged taxpayers to take advantage of the extended hours and fulfill their tax obligations without delay. Early collection not only boosts government liquidity but also helps avoid penalties and processing backlogs at the end of the fiscal cycle.
These proactive measures reflect the FBR’s resolve to modernize tax administration, facilitate the business community, and strengthen the overall revenue framework through better service delivery at its offices nationwide.