In a move to provide relief to taxpayers, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has extended the deadline for the submission of Sales Tax and Federal Excise Returns for the tax period of March 2025. The new deadline for filing these returns is now set for April 25, 2025. This extension comes as part of the FBR’s ongoing efforts to support taxpayers in meeting their obligations and streamline the tax filing process.
On Friday, the FBR issued a notification to all relevant tax offices, including Chief Commissioners Inland Revenue, Large Taxpayers Offices (LTOs), Medium Taxpayers Offices (MTOs), Corporate Tax Offices (CTOs), and Regional Tax Offices (RTOs). The notification clarified that the filing date for Sales Tax and Federal Excise Returns for the March 2025 tax period, initially due on April 18, 2025, has now been extended until April 25, 2025.
This extension also affects the Sales Tax and Federal Excise Return for the February 2025 tax period. Originally due on March 18, 2025, and extended to April 13, 2025, the submission deadline for this return has now been further extended to April 25, 2025.
However, the extension is subject to the condition that taxpayers ensure the sales tax liability for the relevant period has been deposited within the prescribed due date. The FBR emphasized that while the filing deadlines have been extended, it is critical for businesses to remain compliant with the requirement of paying due taxes on time.
The FBR’s decision to extend the filing deadline aims to provide taxpayers with more time to prepare their returns, particularly as businesses may be dealing with a range of operational challenges. The move is expected to assist taxpayers, especially those who might have faced delays due to unforeseen circumstances or logistical issues.
This is not the first time the FBR has offered extensions on tax return deadlines. The Board has periodically extended deadlines for various taxes to ease compliance burdens on businesses and individuals, especially during times of economic or financial strain. By extending these deadlines, the FBR hopes to reduce instances of late filing, penalties, and ensure that businesses can complete their tax return processes without undue stress.
The extension is seen as a proactive step to foster a more supportive regulatory environment. It aligns with the FBR’s broader push to enhance tax compliance and encourage smoother interactions between taxpayers and tax authorities.
This move also reflects the growing trend of digitization within Pakistan’s tax ecosystem. Over recent years, the FBR has increasingly relied on technology to facilitate the tax filing process, making it more efficient and user-friendly. The Sales Tax and Federal Excise Returns are now largely processed online, contributing to a more seamless and transparent experience for taxpayers.
As the new deadline approaches, the FBR has encouraged all businesses, especially those in the manufacturing, services, and trade sectors, to utilize the extended time wisely. Businesses should ensure that their tax returns are filed accurately and promptly to avoid any complications.
Overall, the FBR’s extension offers significant relief to the business community, ensuring that they have sufficient time to meet their tax obligations without penalties.