KARACHI: Tax consultants have demanded a 90-day extension for filing income tax returns for Tax Year 2026, arguing that taxpayers should be allowed the full period provided under the Income Tax Ordinance instead of receiving repeated short-term extensions.
The demand follows the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) decision to extend the deadline for filing income tax returns by only 15 days, moving the deadline to October 15, 2026.
The limited extension has reportedly created concern and confusion among tax consultants, who have raised their voices with the presidents of relevant law and tax bar associations.
Tax consultants have urged bar associations to take up the matter with the authorities and seek the extension available under the law. They argued that professional bodies should assert the legal rights of taxpayers instead of repeatedly requesting short extensions from the FBR.
According to the consultants, the issue is not simply about seeking additional time but ensuring that the provisions of the Income Tax Ordinance are properly implemented. They criticised what they described as inconsistent administration of tax rules and called for the legal provisions governing extensions to be followed.
The consultants also warned that taxpayers could face additional financial liabilities if they are unable to complete their returns within the prescribed deadline. They maintained that insufficient time could create difficulties for taxpayers and professionals handling a large number of returns.
The FBR had earlier set September 30 as the deadline for filing income tax returns for Tax Year 2026. Following requests from trade bodies and tax bar associations, the revenue authority subsequently granted a 15-day extension until October 15.
The FBR said the extension was granted under Section 214A of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.
Tax consultants have now called on the leadership of tax and law bars to pursue the matter on legal grounds and seek a 90-day extension. They said taxpayers should not have to bear additional liabilities because of delays or difficulties associated with the filing process.
The demand comes as tax professionals continue to handle a high volume of returns ahead of the revised October 15 deadline, with consultants seeking clarity and sufficient time for taxpayers to fulfil their statutory obligations.
