Tax return deadline is 30 September: LCCI asks FBR for a month's extension

Fourteen days. That is what is left before the Federal Board of Revenue's 30 September 2026 deadline for Tax Year 2026 income tax returns. The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) asked on 16 September for a one-month extension to 31 October. The FBR had not responded publicly by Wednesday morning, so plan for 30 September.

What happened

• The deadline: the FBR announced on 14 September that returns for Tax Year 2026 (income earned from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026) are due by 30 September 2026.
• The request: LCCI President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol said businesses face high operating costs and uncertain trade conditions, and asked for the date to move to 31 October. He said the government should aim to widen the tax base and encourage voluntary compliance.
• A late change to the form: on 4 September the FBR issued SRO 1495(I)/2026, adding Parts II-ZE to II-ZH to the Second Schedule of the Income Tax Ordinance. Tax practitioners have asked the FBR to clarify how the change affects returns that are already being prepared.

Chambers ask for extensions most years, and the FBR has sometimes granted a short one close to the date. There is no guarantee this year.

What it means for you

If you are a salaried person, a freelancer, a shopkeeper or a landlord, filing on time is what keeps you on the Active Taxpayers List (ATL). The FBR updates the ATL every Monday. Being on it means, in the FBR's own words from its 14 September announcement:

• lower withholding tax when you buy or register a car or buy or sell property;
• no withholding tax on cash withdrawals from your bank;
• lower tax on profit from National Savings and bank deposits;
• the right to adjust or claim a refund of tax already deducted from your salary, bills or bank profit.

A salaried person in Lahore or Karachi whose employer has deducted tax all year often has little or nothing extra to pay. The return is how you get that on record, and how you claim back any excess.

What to do this week

1. Work out your tax for 2025-26 with our income tax calculator. Freelancers can use the freelancer tax calculator.
2. Collect your certificates: the salary tax certificate from your employer, bank profit and withholding certificates, and any tax on your phone bill, electricity bill or vehicle token.
3. Log in to IRIS on the FBR website, or use the Tax Asaan mobile app. FBR facilitation centres and tax offices also help walk-in filers.
4. Declare your wealth statement alongside the return. Bank balances, property, vehicles and gold all go in.
5. File before the last three days. The portal slows down as the deadline nears.

If you miss 30 September

A late return is still better than none, but it does not put you on the ATL for free: late filers have to pay a surcharge before they are added, and the FBR can impose penalties for late filing under the Income Tax Ordinance. If the FBR does extend the date, we will update this story.

Check how much tax your bank deducts on cash withdrawals as a non-filer with the cash withdrawal tax calculator.