FBR extends deadline for filing returns manually

Help desks at all tax offices to provide support and legal assistance to taxpayers free of charge, says spokesperson

The Federal Board of Revenue has extended the deadline for manual tax return filing and introduced special facilities for manual filers across the country under its digitalisation initiative.

In a statement, the FBR said that dedicated help desks will be set up at all tax offices to assist taxpayers who file returns manually. “Special cells in all tax offices will provide complete support to manual filers for registration and online return filing — free of cost,” the statement read.

The FBR added that taxpayers requiring legal assistance during the process can also receive help free of charge from FBR’s field offices. To further ease the transition, the deadline for manual return filing has been extended to November 30.

According to the statement, “The FBR is committed to facilitating taxpayers and promoting a fully digital, transparent and efficient tax system across Pakistan.” The initiative is part of the government’s broader plan to strengthen tax compliance and encourage citizens to adopt digital platforms for financial transparency and convenience.

FBR has announced special measures to assist manual income tax filers as part of its ongoing efforts to fully digitize tax operations. For smooth transition to the online filing system, FBR has discontinued manual return filings from Tax Year 2024. 1/4@PTVNewsOfficial pic.twitter.com/jszOnTHCBu

— FBR (@FBRSpokesperson) November 5, 2025

Earlier, the FBR had decided to make the online submission of income tax returns and withholding statements mandatory for individual taxpayers, with amendments being made to the Income Tax Rules.

The FBR has drafted further amendments to the Income Tax Rules 2002 and issued the draft for stakeholder feedback. The notification explains that these amendments are being made under Section 237(1) of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001.

The FBR has made the draft amendment available for public information, inviting objections or suggestions from affected parties. These can be submitted to the FBR within seven days of the official gazette publication, with all feedback to be considered before a final decision is made.

The draft proposes a new rule under Rule 73 of the Income Tax Rules 2002, which would require individual taxpayers to electronically file (submit online) both their income tax returns and withholding statements. The FBR stated that this amendment aims to promote the use of modern technology in the tax system, streamline the return filing process, and effectively manage taxpayer data.