No Further Deadline Extensions for Return Filing: FBR Chairman

FBR Building

Islamabad, October 10, 2024 — The Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Rashid Mahmood Langrial, has unequivocally declared that there will be no further extension for the income tax return filing deadline for the tax year 2024.

Langrial’s announcement follows an initial deadline extension from September 30 to October 14, 2024, granting taxpayers additional time to comply with their legal obligations.

Despite the grace period, the FBR remains resolute in its stance against any further delays. Langrial, speaking to reporters, underscored the importance of adhering to the new deadline, stressing that the tax authorities are preparing for a robust crackdown on non-filers beginning next month. “The extension provided ample time for compliance, and we are now set to take decisive action against those who continue to evade their tax responsibilities,” Langrial stated firmly.

The FBR Chairman revealed a significant rise in the number of income tax returns filed this year, more than doubling to a total of four million, a clear indication of the government’s intensified efforts to bring more individuals and entities into the tax net. However, he stressed that this achievement does not diminish the need for stricter measures against those who persist in avoiding their civic duty. Armed with a comprehensive data set, the FBR plans to identify and prosecute defaulters rigorously.

Prime Minister’s firm directives have bolstered the FBR’s resolve to pursue tax evaders without leniency. Langrial reiterated that there would be no exemptions or favors for those attempting to skirt the law, ensuring that all eligible taxpayers contribute their fair share to national development. “The Prime Minister has made it clear: no tax thief will be spared,” Langrial affirmed, adding that the government is committed to holding every defaulter accountable.

In addition to enforcement, the FBR is leveraging enhanced technology and data analytics to streamline the tax filing process and strengthen its enforcement capabilities. Langrial assured that the government’s comprehensive crackdown would bring more individuals into the tax net, further improving the country’s revenue collection and economic stability.

With the deadline now fast approaching, the FBR’s message to taxpayers is unmistakable: comply promptly or face the consequences. As the October 14 cutoff looms, the FBR’s proactive stance signals a turning point in Pakistan’s tax enforcement strategy, marking the beginning of a more stringent era in tax compliance.