Income Tax Return Deadline Today: Banks to Stay Open Until 10pm

September 30 is the last day to file income tax returns. Commercial banks across Pakistan will remain open until 10pm today to help taxpayers make tax and other government payments before the deadline. FBR has also announced penalties for late filing.

Commercial banks across the country will keep their relevant branches open until 10:00 PM today. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) issued the instructions after a request from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

The extended banking hours will allow taxpayers to make government payments and tax payments on the final day.

Banks have also been directed to keep digital payment services available. These include internet banking, mobile banking apps, ATMs and other online payment options. The arrangement is meant to help taxpayers complete their tax payments without visiting a branch.

Banks have also been asked to make special clearing arrangements for government transactions through National Institutional Facilitation Technologies (NIFT).

Heavy Fines Reported After Deadline

FBR has warned taxpayers about penalties for missing the September 30 deadline.

According to FBR sources, the late filer category will be abolished from October 1. People who file their returns after the deadline will then face the same restrictions that apply to non-filers, according to the sources.

The reported penalties are:

• Individuals: Rs 25,000 instead of Rs 1,000
• Associations of Persons (AOPs): Rs 50,000 instead of Rs 10,000
• Companies: Rs 100,000 instead of Rs 20,000

The reported changes would apply to taxpayers who fail to file their returns by September 30.

Easy Tax Scheme Penalties

The FBR sources also said phased penalties would apply under the Easy Tax Scheme after the deadline.

The reported penalty would be:

• Rs 10,000 for the first month of delay.
• It would rise to Rs 25,000 for the second month.
• Rs 50,000 for the third month.

September 30 is also the deadline for certain businesses to register and file their sales tax and income tax returns, according to the information provided by FBR sources.

Taxpayers and traders have been advised to complete their returns before the deadline to avoid late-filing penalties and possible non-filer restrictions.