FBR Abolishes Manual Income Tax Returns, Extends Deadline for Digital Filers
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has officially abolished manual income tax returns for Tax Year 2024, completing the country’s transition to a fully digital tax filing system.
In an effort to facilitate taxpayers accustomed to traditional filing methods, the FBR has announced a two-month extension for manual filers, extending the deadline until November 30, 2025. The board has also launched a nationwide support initiative aimed at assisting individuals and businesses in shifting to online submissions.
Under the new policy, all income tax returns must now be filed exclusively through the FBR’s online portal, a move the authority says will enhance transparency, improve data management, and minimise revenue leakage. To support this transition, dedicated facilitation cells have been established in every regional tax office across Pakistan. These centres will provide free technical assistance for online registration, form completion, and digital filing.
Moreover, the FBR has announced that free legal advisory services will be made available throughout the tax year for taxpayers dealing with complex legal or procedural matters.
Tax experts have lauded the initiative, calling it a “decisive step” toward modernising Pakistan’s tax administration. They believe that the extended deadline and provision of hands-on support will not only promote compliance but also help bridge the gap between the digital and conventional taxpayer segments.
The FBR has urged all former manual filers to visit their nearest regional tax offices to benefit from the assistance services and ensure a seamless transition to the online filing system, which is expected to strengthen transparency and efficiency across the country’s revenue framework.