The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has urged the government to extend the tax return filing deadline to October 31 to help businesses complete their submissions comfortably.
LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad, Senior Vice President Engineer Khalid Usman, and Vice President Shahid Nazir Chaudhry made the appeal to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, and FBR Chairman Rashid Langrial. They stressed that the devastating floods and other pressing challenges have made it difficult for many taxpayers to meet the existing September 30 deadline.
The LCCI officials highlighted that the FBR’s online filing system is under heavy load, causing further delays and difficulties. They said the business community is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, and the government should adopt a more flexible approach to support traders and industrialists.
They warned that if the tax return filing deadline is not extended, many honest taxpayers may unintentionally face penalties or legal complications due to circumstances beyond their control. The LCCI emphasized that providing additional time would help ensure compliance without putting undue stress on businesses.
The chamber specifically requested the government to announce the extension of the tax return filing deadline till October 31, offering relief to taxpayers across the country. LCCI representatives said this move would demonstrate a facilitative approach and show support for the business community during challenging times.
Analysts note that such an extension would not only help businesses file their returns on time but also reduce pressure on the FBR’s online system. It would ensure smoother processing of tax submissions and prevent unnecessary penalties.
The LCCI appeal comes at a critical time, as many businesses continue to recover from flood-related losses and face operational challenges. Extending the tax return filing deadline would provide much-needed relief and encourage timely compliance.
In other news read more about: Asim Munir Meets Business Leaders to Discuss Pakistan’s Economic Outlook
