Record 5.9 million tax returns filed as FBR reports 17.6% rise in compliance

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) announced on Thursday that a record 5.9 million income tax returns were filed for Tax Year 2025, reflecting a 17.6 percent increase compared to last year, as the authority reiterated that no blanket extension would be granted beyond the filing deadline.

According to the FBR, as of 7 p.m. on October 31, a total of 5.9 million returns had been received, up from 5 million during the same period in 2024. Out of these, 3.6 million taxpayers filed returns accompanied by payments — an 18.6 percent increase in revenue-contributing filers.

Individual taxpayers paid nearly Rs69 billion this year, compared with Rs60 billion last year, marking a 15 percent rise in total payments. The board said the steady growth in compliance reflected expanding public confidence and tax awareness, which it attributed to an extensive outreach drive led jointly by the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Information, and the FBR.

The campaign featured nationwide robocalls, WhatsApp messages, targeted emails, and behaviorally informed reminders that encouraged citizens to fulfill their tax obligations.

While commending taxpayers for their growing cooperation, the FBR clarified that, in accordance with the prime minister’s directions, no blanket deadline extension had been approved. However, individuals facing genuine difficulties could apply for relief through the IRIS online system.

The authority reaffirmed its commitment to simplifying filing procedures and enhancing digital tools, aiming to make Pakistan’s tax system “fair, transparent, and inclusive.”