Nearly two million Pakistanis have filed their income tax returns for tax year 2026. The Federal Board of Revenue received the returns by September 5.
The figure shows an increase from the same period last year. FBR received roughly 1.6 million income tax returns during that period.
This year’s filings are therefore around 400,000 higher than last year. However, the increase in returns has not brought a similar rise in tax payments.
Tax payments remain almost unchanged
Tax deposited along with the returns stood at around Rs3.5 billion by September 5. The amount remains almost unchanged compared with the same period last year.
The higher number of filings has therefore not translated into a significant increase in tax deposited with returns.
FBR recorded nearly six million income tax returns for tax year 2025. The latest figures show that taxpayers are continuing to submit their returns ahead of this year’s deadline.
However, a substantial number of taxpayers may still need to complete the filing process. The statutory deadline for submitting tax year 2026 returns is September 30.
FBR changes tax return form
Meanwhile, FBR has amended the income tax return form for tax year 2026. The authority issued SRO 1495(I)/2026 on Thursday.
Through the notification, FBR amended the Income Tax Rules, 2002. It also introduced new provisions in the Second Schedule.
The changes come only a few weeks before the September 30 filing deadline. Therefore, the timing has raised questions among tax professionals.
Tax expert questions timing of changes
A tax expert questioned the decision to introduce the changes at this stage. The expert described the timing as confusing and unjustified.
The concern comes as taxpayers and tax professionals prepare to meet the September 30 deadline. Any changes to the filing process can create additional uncertainty during this period.
FBR has already received nearly two million returns for tax year 2026. However, taxpayers still have several weeks to complete their filings before the statutory deadline.
The latest figures also show a mixed trend. On one hand, the number of returns has increased significantly. On the other hand, tax deposited alongside those filings has remained almost unchanged.
With the September 30 deadline approaching, attention will now remain on the pace of further filings. The final number could rise substantially as more taxpayers submit their returns.
