Taxpayers can file income tax returns till midnight, says FBR

Taxpayers have until midnight on Tuesday (today) to file their income tax returns online, the Federal Board of Revenue said.

According to an FBR spokesperson, all commercial banks will be open to taxpayers until 9pm tonight.

Moreover, all FBR field offices will be open to taxpayers until 10pm, the spokesman said.

Applications for extension

The FBR has directed that help desks be created to receive any applications for an extension in the filing date.

In this regard, chief commissioners must ensure that applications bear the taxpayer's name, national identity card number, NTN and jurisdiction numbers, the authority said.

Online applications seeking extensions will also be entertained.

"The chief commissioners have been told to welcome such applications with an open heart," an FBR statement said.

The statement added that the online IRIS system has also been "improved" so that the maximum number of applications can be accommodated.

No extension by default

The Board has otherwise refused to extend the date for filing returns beyond December 8, despite receiving less than 1.5 million returns compared to approximately 2.9 million last year.

The government reportedly believes that the number of returns filed is significantly lower this time because of the difficulty of filing taxes during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industries writes to PM

Meanwhile the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has requested Prime Minister Imran Khan to direct the FBR to extend the date of filing income tax returns till January 30, 2021.

The president of the chamber, in a letter, informed PM Imran that there were “mistakes” in the forms issued by the tax authority. He also added that they have informed the FBR chairman of the mistakes in a letter on November 23.

The KCCI also stated that the tax experts' routine has been affected by the second wave of the coronavirus causing them difficulties in filing their returns. He also added that concessions should be given as these are difficult times.