Karachi, September 27, 2024 – The Pakistan Tax Bar Association (PTBA) has urged the government to extend the deadline for filing income tax returns for the current fiscal year, offering a crucial opportunity for non-filers to comply and become active taxpayers. In a statement released on Friday, the PTBA lauded the government’s recent decision to abolish the non-filer category but emphasized the need for an extension to facilitate this transition.
With the September 30, 2024 deadline fast approaching, the PTBA has requested the authorities to extend the filing deadline to October 25, 2024. This extension, they argue, would provide non-filers a final opportunity to regularize their tax status and contribute to the nation’s economic progress. “This will offer them a last chance to become tax-compliant and support Pakistan’s development,” the PTBA stated.
The PTBA commended the government for its bold move to eliminate the non-filer category, describing it as a progressive step toward enhancing tax compliance and ensuring greater financial transparency. “This initiative instills confidence in those who regularly file their taxes, while non-filers, who have previously bypassed their responsibilities, will now face the consequences of remaining outside the tax net,” the association remarked. The PTBA further highlighted that non-filers would no longer be able to purchase property or open bank accounts under the new regime, compelling them to fulfill their civic duties.
Drawing comparisons with developed economies, the PTBA noted that the existence of a non-filer category is virtually unheard of in nations with robust financial systems. “Abolishing this category is a vital measure that will not only increase Pakistan’s tax revenues but also enhance the overall tax infrastructure. This, in turn, will help alleviate the country’s reliance on external debt, providing long-term benefits for future generations,” the association emphasized.
The PTBA stressed that the collected tax revenue should be judiciously allocated to vital sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. “Taxation is a form of public trust. It should be used to improve the lives of the people, thereby completing the tax cycle and restoring the public’s faith in the system. This will pave the way for economic relief from inflation and excessive taxation,” the PTBA argued.
Moreover, the PTBA believes that these reforms will help bridge the socioeconomic gap between the elite and the impoverished, creating a more equitable society. “A strong, safe, and prosperous Pakistan can only be realized when privileges are extended to all citizens, ensuring that future generations inherit a nation of stability and opportunity,” the PTBA concluded.
