The Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) has drawn the attention of Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Rashid Mahmood Langrial to an earnest appeal for an extension of the statutory deadlines for filing Income Tax and Sales Tax Returns.

President KCCI, Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, in a communication to the FBR Chairman, stressed the urgent need to extend the last date for filing Income Tax Returns for the Tax Year 2025 from September 30 to October 31, 2025, due to the genuine hardships faced by taxpayers across the country. He further requested a one-month extension for submission of Sales Tax Return for August 2025, highlighting that the prevailing circumstances warrant immediate relief for the business community.

Explaining the reasons, President KCCI noted that the IRIS portal continues to face severe technical slowdowns and glitches, particularly during peak hours, making it almost impossible for taxpayers to file returns efficiently. Despite repeated assurances, system inefficiencies have remained unresolved since last year. Meanwhile, the increasing number of tax filers, although encouraging, has significantly raised the burden on the FBR’s system, requiring urgent upgradation.

He added that recent flash floods and heavy monsoon rains have badly affected internet and telecom services nationwide, with 4G and 5G connectivity functioning poorly in many regions. These connectivity failures have further compounded the difficulties for filers who rely exclusively on online submission platforms.

President KCCI reminded that in the past, FBR has granted similar extensions under comparable circumstances. “Such relief measures not only encourage taxpayers to comply but also strengthen documentation of the economy and lead to higher revenue collection, which is in the mutual interest of both FBR and the business community,” he said.

Jawed Bilwani emphasized that extending the deadline for both Income Tax and Sales Tax Returns will allow advocates, chartered accountants, consultants, and tax practitioners to complete their tasks effectively, ensuring accuracy and improved compliance.