Islamabad: Following the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Islamabad Chamber of Commerce, and the All Pakistan Traders Association, the Rawalpindi Islamabad Tax Bar Association has also called for a one-month extension for filing income tax returns.
The Tax Bar Association has written to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, the Finance Minister, and the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), requesting that the deadline for submitting tax returns be extended to October 31.
According to the Tax Bar Association, extending the deadline by just 15 days would result in four public holidays, leaving fewer working days. This could create difficulties for taxpayers and increase pressure on the IRIS system.
The letter states that a short extension may lead to a rise in the submission of empty returns, placing unnecessary strain on the tax system. A 30-day extension would facilitate taxpayers in submitting their returns more easily.
On the other hand, Ajmal Baloch, President of the All Pakistan Traders Association, emphasized the need for the FBR to extend the deadline for income tax filings, citing economic difficulties as a compelling reason for the extension.
He noted that traders are currently facing challenges in submitting their taxes, and more time should be granted for compliance. The FBR’s system is reportedly failing to receive returns effectively.
Ajmal Baloch further stated that due to system malfunctions, difficulties are arising in submitting returns, raising concerns about the possibility of returns not being filed. He warned that if returns are not submitted due to these technical issues, the responsibility would lie with the FBR.
