ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Wednesday extended the deadline for taxpayers filing returns through manual forms until November 30, as part of its gradual transition toward a fully digital tax filing system.
According to an official notification, the tax authority said it is phasing out manual return forms to ensure complete digitisation of its data. However, acknowledging that a small segment of taxpayers still rely on traditional filing methods, the FBR has allowed additional time for such individuals to complete their returns.
The notification stated that special facilitation cells have been established at every regional tax office to assist manual filers. These cells will provide technical, legal, and procedural support free of charge to help taxpayers transition smoothly to the new system.
As a special dispensation, it has been decided that a cell in each tax office of Pakistan dealing with such taxpayers (manual filers) will provide all legal and technical support, the FBR said in the notification. Such taxpayer’s return filing date is hereby extended till November 30, under Section 214A of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.
It added that FBR field offices will also provide free legal services this year to those who need assistance in preparing or submitting their returns. The initiative aims to ensure that no taxpayer is left behind in the ongoing shift to e-filing, which the FBR says will enhance transparency, efficiency, and record-keeping.
The move comes as the FBR announced a record 5.9 million tax returns received for the tax year 2025, marking a 17.6 percent increase compared to 5 million returns filed during the same period last year. Notably, 3.6 million taxpayers submitted returns with tax payments, reflecting an 18.6 percent rise in compliance among paying filers.
Officials said the digital transformation of the tax filing system represents a major leap forward in the government’s efforts to modernize tax administration and broaden the country’s revenue base.