Only 263,000 people file tax returns

E-Paper | October 13, 2026

Only 263,000 people file tax returns

Mubarak Zeb Khan Published October 31, 2015

ISLAMABAD: The government’s talk of bringing the rich into the tax net has failed to produce any noticeable results as only 263,000 people filed their income tax returns in the tax year 2015 as against 445,000 returns filed last year, showing a decline of 182,000 returns or 40.8 per cent.

The government is considering extending the last date for filing of tax returns for the third time, and the new deadline may be pushed to Nov 15.

While 131,811 returns were filed in September, 131,189 more were filed in the current month until October 30.

Last year, approximately 400,000 salaried individuals had filed their returns, while returns filed by the companies stood at 25,000 and returns by AoPs stood at 20,000.

A further analysis of the e-filed returns showed that Karachi, which is the business hub of the country, received around 58,000 returns while in Lahore 24,000 returns were filed. From Islamabad 17,000 returns were filed and from Rawalpindi 18,000 returns were e-filed.

Sources in the FBR expect that the number of total filers may go up once manual returns would be added.

Last year, 940,000 people had filed their returns with the FBR. This figure was achieved after giving several extensions. Until Dec 5, 2014, the FBR had received only 750,000 income tax returns, the official said.

E-filing of tax returns is mandatory for salaried individuals, companies and associations of persons (AoPs).

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2015

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Mubarak Zeb Khan is a senior staff correspondent for Dawn, bringing over two decades of experience to his coverage of political economy, trade, taxation, and public finance. He is a former Innovation Journalism fellow at Stanford University and a Chevening Scholar. He tweets @mubarakzebdawn.

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stranger

Oct 31, 2015 07:40am

With this low number of tax returns filed, I see some sense in taxing banking transactions. Overall, I still think that the government should bring businesses in tax net by making direct efforts and eliminating corruption in tax collection machinery.

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Muhammad Ajmal Solangi

Oct 31, 2015 08:25am

Govt. should simplify the online system which is still creating lot of problems regarding time consumption and help line do not function, same should be segmented in all cities not only to rested to Islamabad

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Justice

Oct 31, 2015 09:20am

All government has do is size bank accounts and personal property of individuals who have not filed income tax. It will be too difficult for federal government because they are the one have been protecting them.

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Tax Payer

Oct 31, 2015 09:26am

To get incremental revenues the government should find a way to tax the non salaried class. The salaried class is already paying through their nose with income tax up to 25% and on top consumption tax up to 17% (sales tax). The tax is deducted at source so the salaried class cannot avoid paying taxes and they do not file returns because the process of filing taxes is very difficult. Instead of running after these over taxed individuals to file returns, the government should focus on getting the non salaried class into the tax bracket and even consider given these salaried individuals a relief.

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hashim_it@hotmail.com

Oct 31, 2015 09:59am

More than the government, it is the responsibility of the people to file their returns. People keep shouting about the lack of services and facilities, but they should realize that the government's source of income is the tax revenue that they get. If more people pay their taxes and file their returns, there will be more available for the government to spend as well. I know many will just think that it will be more of their hard-earned money filling up the coffers of these corrupt politicians. But that is where the change has to begin. We must change our thinking first and do what is right. Things will start changing subsequently.

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Foolish

Oct 31, 2015 02:15pm

@Tax Payer I agree ,manual TR should also be allowed in Pakistan since loadsheding is obstruting online TR.

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Sajid Syed

Oct 31, 2015 05:48pm

Have our beloved Zardar, Nawaz and Raheel filed their returns?

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Rashida

Oct 31, 2015 05:50pm

If there is a real will, implementation and setting an example of tax evaders is easy. But is there the will amongst Politicians, Civil and Army servants?

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Shame

Nov 01, 2015 01:46am

What do you expect from corrupt govt, watch now soon world will stop giving aid!

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Khawaja Kamran

Nov 01, 2015 03:05am

We are a nation with no directions , we still looking to find our identity Islam has given has a system and unfortuately its not been followed The result is what we are suffering today Joke is VAT/GST system - amount deposited is lesser than amount refunded

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citizen

Nov 01, 2015 12:23pm

182 million population and just quarter million return mostly by the hapless salaried class ! Tax evasion is the most popular hobby in the country...God only can save...

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