Pakistan has reached a significant milestone in its tax compliance journey, with voluntary income tax filings hitting a record 5.9 million as of October 31, 2025. The latest figures mark a substantial rise in nationwide participation, underscoring enhanced public engagement and growing confidence in digital tax systems.
The Federal Board of Revenue announced that the current tax season has seen a notable increase in citizen compliance. The total filings up to the deadline represent a 17.6 percent year-on-year surge, compared to 5 million returns filed during the same period last year. This expansion highlights steady progress in Pakistan’s efforts to broaden its tax base and promote responsible fiscal participation.
Out of the total, 3.6 million filers submitted returns along with tax payments, reflecting an 18.6 percent rise in taxpayers contributing revenue alongside their filings. This shift not only signifies improved voluntary compliance but also indicates stronger recognition of national tax obligations among individuals and businesses. Individual taxpayers contributed nearly Rs9 billion more than last year, bringing total payments from individuals to Rs69 billion, up from Rs60 billion and marking a 15 percent growth.
The revenue authority credited the rising compliance to large-scale outreach and taxpayer education initiatives conducted under a coordinated government effort. A nationwide campaign, jointly executed by the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Information, and FBR, played a central role in driving participation. The campaign emphasized civic responsibility and highlighted the advantages of digital filing platforms, encouraging citizens to adopt simplified, online methods for submitting returns.
Multiple communication channels were deployed to enhance awareness and nudge taxpayers toward compliance. Automated robocalls and WhatsApp broadcasts served as reminders, while a series of behavioral messages — starting with congratulatory notices, followed by informational prompts and concluding with cautionary reminders — targeted nearly 800,000 individuals identified through data-driven profiling. Additionally, focused email outreach to approximately 70,000 taxpayers included peer-comparison insights designed to promote timely and accurate filings.
The push for digital ease and proactive engagement from the tax machinery contributed to significant traction across demographics. Support measures, simplified filing options, and strengthening of FBR’s digital systems helped smooth the filing process. The authority reaffirmed its commitment to supporting compliant citizens through streamlined services, transparent procedures, and responsive communication.
FBR noted that the filing tally was recorded at 7:00 p.m. on deadline day, with expectations that the final number would rise further before midnight as last-minute submissions continued. The government maintained its stance on not granting a blanket extension, following the Prime Minister’s instructions. However, taxpayers experiencing genuine hardship have the option to apply for individual extensions through the IRIS portal.
The continued rise in voluntary participation signals increasing public trust in the tax framework and reinforces national efforts toward a fairer, more inclusive, and digitally empowered fiscal system.
Follow the PakBanker Whatsapp Channel for updated across Pakistan’s banking ecosystem.