The deadline for filing income tax returns for Tax Year 2025 is causing worry among taxpayers, with many hoping for an extension. Rumors suggest the date could be moved from September 30 to October 14, but the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has not given any official update yet.
So far, more than 3.5 million people have filed their returns, while FBR has set a target of 10 million this year. Last year, 7.6 million returns were filed. Business groups and tax experts are asking for more time, saying there are still many technical problems with the IRIS online portal and other difficulties, including the recent floods.
The Rawalpindi Islamabad Tax Bar Association has even written to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, requesting that the deadline be extended until December 31, 2025. They argued that the tax forms were released very late in August 2025 instead of July 2024, which left little time for preparation. New SROs have also added categories and changes that created further delays. Many users also complained about the online system slowing down, crashing, or losing data.
Despite these issues, last week the FBR strongly denied any plan to extend the deadline. They said that the September 30 deadline is final, that the online system is working fine, and that flood-related excuses are not valid. They also warned taxpayers that missing the deadline could result in penalties and legal action. Only those with extreme hardship can apply for an individual 15-day extension, but even then, taxes must be paid by September 30.
FBR has advised everyone to file their returns on time and not rely on rumors. Experts caution that the last days before the deadline could see heavy online traffic and system delays, so taxpayers are urged to file as early as possible.
