The Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD) has urged the federal government to extend the September 30 income tax return filing deadline. It says ongoing elections across business organisations have left taxpayers with insufficient time to prepare their returns.
ABAD Chairman Muhammad Hassan Bakhshi appealed to the government and the Federal Board of Revenue to announce a reasonable extension. He said additional time would help businesspeople complete preparations and submit their returns within a revised deadline.
The appeal comes as taxpayers approach the deadline for Tax Year 2026, with several business and professional organisations also seeking more time.
Business elections delay return preparations
Bakhshi said associations, chambers of commerce and other trade organisations were occupied with electoral activities. These commitments had prevented members of the business community from completing their tax return preparations, he added.
He argued that the overlap between business elections and the filing deadline had created practical difficulties for traders and entrepreneurs.
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An extension would allow them to participate in the electoral process and then complete their tax obligations, he said.
Bakhshi called for adequate time to meet those obligations without additional pressure. His statement sought a suitable extension but did not propose a specific replacement date.
He expressed hope that the federal government would consider the requests of businesses and other taxpayers before announcing its decision.
Builders and property businesses seek more time
The ABAD chairman highlighted the position of people working in construction and real estate, alongside taxpayers from other sectors.
He said preparing returns required businesspeople to complete several related tasks. The remaining time might therefore prove insufficient for those who had yet to finish their preparations.
Bakhshi urged the government and FBR to take these difficulties into account when reviewing the September 30 deadline.
His request focused on providing more preparation time. It did not seek an exemption from filing income tax returns.
The appeal adds an election-related concern to the wider debate over this year’s filing schedule. Other organisations have raised separate complaints about technical and procedural difficulties.
Wider calls for a revised filing schedule
Tax bar associations, chambers and trade bodies have also approached FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial for a one-month extension.
Their concerns include technical problems with IRIS, delayed notification of return forms and extensive additional disclosure requirements. Tax practitioners have separately sought an extension until November 30, citing workload, electricity outages and slow portal performance.
These requests remain proposals from taxpayers’ representatives and do not themselves change the filing deadline.
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FBR’s published schedule sets September 30 as the normal deadline for individuals and associations of persons. Some companies follow different filing dates.
The authority’s filing guidance also requires taxpayers to complete the applicable return and wealth statement. Successful submission requires the forms to move from Draft to Completed Task in IRIS.
Against that backdrop, Bakhshi urged a timely decision that would give affected businesses clarity and sufficient time to complete their returns.
