Tax returns: Pakistan banks to extend working hours on Sept 30

Business Recorder reported that commercial banks across Pakistan will extend branch hours, with counters staying open up to 10:00pm on Wednesday, September 30, so people can pay government duties and taxes over the counter. A State Bank of Pakistan statement says the FBR requested the change so taxpayers can settle their payments on the final day of the month. September 30 is also the deadline for filing tax returns in the country.

Beyond longer hours, the SBP asked banks to keep the relevant branches running until the special clearing of government transactions handled by the National Institutional Facilitation Technologies (NIFT) is complete. Banks must also keep online payment routes working without interruption, including internet banking, mobile apps, ATMs and other digital platforms used for paying duties and taxes.

On Monday, Atif Ikram Sheikh, president of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), urged the government and FBR to grant filers one extra month. He proposed moving the income tax return cutoff to October 31, 2026, to make things easier for trade, industry and other filers.