Over 5,000 seek online extension for tax return filing deadline

More than 5,000 taxpayers have applied online for an extension to file their income tax returns, as the National Board of Revenue (NBR) expands digital services for the 2025–2026 tax year, according to a press release issued by the regulatory body today (29 March).

The NBR has made online income tax return submission mandatory for all individual taxpayers for the 2025–2026 tax year, with some exceptions.

According to the release, over 50 lakh individual taxpayers have already registered on the NBR's e-Return system, while more than 41.5 lakh have submitted their returns online.

The deadline for filing returns has been extended to 31 March. However, taxpayers may apply for an additional period of up to 90 days, subject to approval by the relevant tax commissioner.

To simplify the process, the NBR has introduced an online system that allows taxpayers to apply for time extensions through the e-Return platform using the "Time Extension" option.

The press release said most applications submitted online have been approved within a short time.

If an extension is granted, taxpayers will be able to file their returns within the extended period without facing penalties or additional tax.

The NBR advised taxpayers who have not yet submitted their returns but wish to avail the extension facility to apply by 31 March.

It also said taxpayers must be registered in the e-Return system using a biometric SIM in their own name before applying for a time extension.

For those not required to submit returns online, applications for extension can be made either through the online system or by submitting a written request to the respective tax office.

The NBR urged all individual taxpayers to file their returns within the deadline to avoid penalties, and said those unable to do so may apply online for an extension with valid reasons.