Income Tax Filing Deadline to be Extended? FBR Clarifies the Doubts
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has an important message for all taxpayers. There are many rumors and false stories going around on social media, news channels, and websites. These stories are not true. The FBR wants everyone to know the correct information. Check State Bank Housing Loan Scheme 2025.
This article will explain the official news in simple English. We will cover what the FBR said, what you need to do, and what happens if you miss the deadline.
The Main Message: No Extension for Most People
The most important point is this: The last date to file your Income Tax Return for the Tax Year 2025 has not been extended.
Many people were sharing news that the deadline would be moved to a later date. Some even said the extension was because of the recent floods in the country.
The FBR has officially stated that these reports are:
- False (Not true)
- Baseless (Have no real proof)
- Misleading (They trick people into believing the wrong information)
The FBR confirmed that the deadline is still September 30, 2025. This date is final for the vast majority of taxpayers.
Why is the FBR Not Extending the Date?
The FBR gave a reason for not changing the deadline. They said that most people who need to file tax returns live in areas that were not affected by the floods. These taxpayers have had plenty of time since the start of the tax year to get their documents ready and file their returns.
The tax authority believes that an extension is not necessary for most people. They expect everyone to complete their civic duty and file their returns on time.
The Online System is Working Fine
Another rumor that was spreading was about the FBR’s online filing system, called IRIS. Some people claimed the website was slow or not working properly, making it hard to file returns.
The FBR has denied these claims completely. They said that the IRIS system is fully operational. This means the website is running smoothly and taxpayers should not face any problems.
They have also introduced a new, simplified tax form. This form is designed to be easier to understand and fill out. The FBR assures everyone that they can file their returns using this new form without any difficulty.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
This is a very serious matter. If you do not file your income tax return by September 30, 2025, there will be consequences.
- You Become a “Late Filer.” Your name will be moved to a special list for people who filed their returns after the deadline. This status can cause problems for you in the future.
- You Will Have to Pay Penalties. The income tax law has rules for people who file late. You may have to pay a fine or an additional amount of money as a penalty. These penalties can be significant, so it is best to avoid them.
The FBR’s advice is clear: File your return accurately and honestly before the deadline to avoid any trouble.
Is There Any Hope for an Extension?
The FBR’s main rule is that the September 30 deadline is fixed. However, they do understand that sometimes, people face very serious and genuine problems.
For such cases of extreme hardship, there is a small possibility. A taxpayer can apply for an extension of up to fifteen days. But this is not automatic. You cannot just decide to file late.
There are two very important conditions for this:
- You Must Pay Your Due Taxes by September 30: Even if you apply for an extension, you must calculate and pay any tax amount you owe by the original deadline of September 30, 2025.
- You Need Official Approval: You have to apply for the extension and a special committee must approve your request. You must follow all the legal steps and provide valid reasons for your delay.
This option is only for people in very difficult situations. For 99% of taxpayers, the rule is simple: file your return by September 30.
What Should You Do Now?
Do not wait for the last moment. Here is a simple action plan for you:
- Ignore the Rumors: Do not believe any news about a deadline extension unless it comes directly from the official FBR website or their verified social media channels.
- Gather Your Documents: Start collecting all your necessary papers now. This includes your salary slips, bank statements, proof of expenses, and your National Tax Number (NTN).
- Log In to the IRIS Portal: Go to the FBR’s IRIS website and familiarize yourself with the new simplified form. See what information you need to provide.
- File Your Return Early: Try to complete and submit your return as soon as possible. Filing early helps you avoid last-minute website traffic, stress, and the risk of making mistakes.
- Be Honest: Always provide correct and truthful information in your tax return.
Final Summary
Let’s recap the key takeaways:
- The deadline for filing your Income Tax Return for Tax Year 2025 is September 30, 2025.
- There is no general extension for all taxpayers.
- The rumors about an extension and a slow IRIS system are false.
- If you file late, you will be marked as a late filer and face financial penalties.
- A short extension is only possible in extreme cases, but you must still pay your taxes by September 30 and get special permission.
The FBR’s message is straightforward. They have given everyone enough time. The system is working. Now, it is your responsibility to file your tax return on time. Do not delay, and make sure you meet the September 30, 2025, deadline.