The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has achieved a new milestone with the filing of 5.9 million income tax returns for the tax year 2025, marking a 17.6 per cent increase compared to 5 million returns submitted during the same period last year.

According to an official statement, returns received until October 31 represent the highest-ever figure in Pakistan’s tax history. The deadline for filing tax returns for 2025 was not extended, following the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. However, taxpayers facing genuine hardships may still request extensions through the FBR’s IRIS system.

Out of the total filers, 3.6 million taxpayers submitted returns with tax payments — reflecting an 18.6 per cent rise compared to the previous year. Individual taxpayers contributed Rs69 billion in taxes this year, up from Rs60 billion in 2024, showing a 15 per cent increase in payments from individuals.

The FBR hailed this growth as a sign of stronger voluntary compliance and taxpayer awareness, attributing the success to its extensive outreach campaign. The initiative included nationwide robocalls, WhatsApp messages, and targeted emails to remind citizens of their filing obligations.

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Moreover, the tax authority issued nearly 800,000 behaviourally informed messages using third-party data, designed to nudge taxpayers through congratulatory, informational, and cautionary reminders. About 70,000 taxpayers also received personalised messages comparing their income levels with peers to promote accurate and timely filing.

The FBR expressed appreciation for citizens’ cooperation and reaffirmed its commitment to creating a fair, transparent, and inclusive tax system through digital tools and simplified processes. Officials said the record increase in tax return filings in Pakistan highlights growing public confidence in the country’s tax administration.