Tax Experts Urge PM Shahbaz Sharif to Extend Income Tax Return Deadline 2025 to November 30
In Pakistan, thousands of taxpayers and consultants are urging Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to extend the Income Tax Return Deadline 2025 until November 30, 2025. This demand follows widespread internet outages, system errors in FBR’s IRIS portal, and mounting workload on tax practitioners.
According to Javed Iqbal Qazi, Chairman of the Pakistan Tax Advisers Association (PTAA) and Advocate Supreme Court, the current conditions make it practically impossible for taxpayers to meet the October 15 deadline. He emphasized that extending the deadline is essential to ensure smooth filing and fair compliance for all.
⚙️ FBR Tax Return Date 2025 and Previous Extension
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) had earlier extended the tax return filing deadline for 2025 from September 30 to October 15, 2025.
The decision was made late at night on September 30, when the IRIS (Integrated Revenue Information System) developed by PRAL (Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited) became completely overloaded.
Thousands of users couldn’t access the portal to file returns, and those who did faced long delays, page errors, and crashes. The FBR’s technical teams have struggled to stabilize the system due to high traffic and weak infrastructure.
🌐 Internet Outages and IRIS System Failures Affect Filing
The past week has seen severe internet connectivity problems across Punjab, Islamabad, and other regions of Pakistan. These outages, combined with the slow IRIS system, have blocked many taxpayers from submitting their income tax returns.
Tax experts state that without functional connectivity, online banking challans (CPRNs) cannot be processed, and documents cannot be uploaded.
This has caused frustration for tax consultants, accountants, and small business owners, who are already under pressure to meet the government’s FBR tax targets.
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💼 Tax Practitioners Overloaded with Filing Work
Across Pakistan, Chartered Accountants, Tax Lawyers, and Consultants are struggling to handle thousands of cases simultaneously.
Each income tax return 2025 involves detailed data entry, payment verification, and online submission via IRIS — a process that requires stable internet and uninterrupted electricity.
Due to load-shedding and repeated server errors, many professionals have lost valuable work hours.
As a result, PTAA argues that October 15, 2025 is an unrealistic deadline under the current circumstances.
“The system is choked, the network is down, and taxpayers are anxious,” said one tax consultant from Lahore.
“If the government really wants to meet its revenue goals, it must allow more time.”
🧾 Reasons Why an Extension Is Necessary
Tax experts have outlined several valid reasons for seeking a new deadline of November 30, 2025 for FBR tax return filing:
- Poor Internet Services: Major outages in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad disrupted access to the IRIS portal.
- System Overload: The FBR/PRAL servers were unable to handle large-scale filings.
- Power Shortages: Load shedding affected offices and tax consultants.
- Massive Filing Volume: Millions of pending returns remain unprocessed.
- Economic Uncertainty: Inflation and liquidity issues slowed taxpayer payments.
These factors collectively justify the extension of the income tax return date 2025, ensuring smooth filing for individuals and businesses alike.
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🕒 What Is the Last Date of Income Tax Return 2025 in Pakistan?
Currently, the last date to file income tax returns for 2025 in Pakistan is October 15, 2025, as announced by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
However, tax professionals and associations are requesting the Prime Minister to extend it until November 30, 2025 due to ongoing IRIS technical failures and internet breakdowns.
If the request is approved, this will be the second extension for the 2025 filing year — a move that would give relief to millions of taxpayers.
💰 FBR Tax Return Date 2025 – Calls for Proactive Decision
Experts believe the FBR tax return date 2025 should be extended proactively rather than at the last minute.
In previous years, extensions were announced just hours before midnight, causing panic and heavy traffic on the FBR portal.
A proactive announcement, they say, will help both taxpayers and the FBR achieve better compliance and avoid IRIS system breakdowns.
It will also help the government collect more revenue and maintain public trust in its digital services.
📅 Which Tax Return Is Due in 2025?
The Income Tax Return for Tax Year 2025 is currently due.
This includes individuals, salaried persons, associations of persons (AOPs), and business entities who are required to file returns for the assessment year 2025–26.
Tax experts urge everyone to prepare their documents early, including income details, withholding certificates, utility bills, and CPRNs, to avoid last-minute pressure.
However, due to the system failures, most users are unable to finalize their returns, strengthening the case for a deadline extension.
📆 What Is the Last Date for Filing Income Tax Return for Assessment Year 2025–26?
If the FBR accepts the PTAA proposal, the last date for filing income tax return for assessment year 2025–26 will be November 30, 2025.
This extension would not only allow smooth processing but also help tax practitioners clear backlogs from the disrupted period.
Tax experts say this extension is not merely a favor — it’s a necessary administrative measure to stabilize Pakistan’s digital taxation framework.
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🧠 Expert Opinion on FBR and PRAL Digital Reforms
According to senior accountants, Pakistan’s IRIS system needs urgent technical upgrades.
Experts recommend the FBR to shift toward cloud-based infrastructure and introduce mobile-friendly filing options.
Moreover, PRAL’s coordination with banking systems should be improved to make CPRN tax payments instant and traceable.
Such reforms, they argue, will reduce the need for repeated deadline extensions in future years.
🏛️ Expected Government Response
While no official statement has been released yet, sources indicate that the Prime Minister’s Office is reviewing the matter.
Officials from FBR and PRAL are expected to present a report on the current status of return filings and portal performance.
If approved, the Income Tax Return Deadline Extension 2025 could be announced before mid-October — giving taxpayers a full extra month to comply.
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✅ Conclusion: A Practical Step for Fair Compliance
The demand to extend the Income Tax Return Deadline 2025 to November 30 represents a practical and fair request under extraordinary circumstances.
Between internet failures, power shortages, and a non-performing IRIS portal, taxpayers simply cannot meet the current cutoff date.
By approving this extension, PM Shahbaz Sharif and the FBR can demonstrate transparency, digital readiness, and respect for taxpayer realities.
It’s not just about more time — it’s about ensuring trust and efficiency in Pakistan’s tax system.
🔍 FAQs on Income Tax Return Deadline 2025:
Q1. What is the last date of income tax return 2025 in Pakistan?
Currently, the last date is October 15, 2025, but tax experts are requesting an extension to November 30, 2025.
Q2. What is the last date for FBR 2025?
The FBR’s official deadline is October 15, 2025, subject to possible extension by the government.
Q3. Which tax return is due in 2025?
The Income Tax Return for Tax Year 2025 is due for individuals, businesses, and salaried persons.
Q4. What is the last date for filing income tax return for assessment year 2025–26?
Experts have proposed that the last date be extended to November 30, 2025, to ensure fair compliance across Pakistan.
