In a surprising late-night decision, the government of Pakistan has extended the deadline for filing income tax returns for the tax year 2024 until October 14. This move comes as a relief for individuals who missed the initial September 30 deadline and provides them with an opportunity to meet the tax return requirement.
The decision to extend the deadline was made in response to requests from trade bodies, tax bars, and the general public. Earlier speculations about the extension were denied by FBR officials, but a late-night notification confirmed the new deadline.
This year has seen a significant increase in the number of income tax returns filed compared to the previous year. Despite this, there has also been a rise in nil-filers, prompting the government to consider measures to discourage this practice.
The deadline extension and the government’s efforts to address tax evasion are key steps towards ensuring compliance and increasing tax revenues. Stay tuned for further updates on tax policies and reforms.
Published in Dawn, October 1st, 2024