Extensions for filing tax returns: FTO directs investigation against FBR over inaction

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has directed that an investigation be initiated against the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) over its alleged inaction in granting extensions for filing income tax returns for the tax year 2025.

According to sources, the order came in response to a public interest complaint filed by tax lawyer Waheed Shahzad Butt. In the complaint, it was highlighted that despite taxpayers filing online applications for extension through FBR’s IRIS portal, no action was taken, leaving many taxpayers in a state of uncertainty as the deadline approached.

The FTO has summoned senior officials, including the FBR Member Operations, Member IR-Policy, and the Director General (Information Technology), to appear on November 19, 2025, and justify the apparent neglect.

Waheed Butt expressed serious concern over the matter, stating it is regrettable that these applications are still lying unattended in the Outbox of the IRIS system (https://iris.fbr.gov.pk/login). Such inaction not only undermines taxpayer rights but also constitutes maladministration of justice.

The FTO’s intervention underscores the persistence of longstanding issues in tax administration, particularly relating to delays and systemic inefficiencies that impact taxpayer compliance.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025