Lahore: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced good news for active taxpayers, stating that there is no need to submit previous returns to become a filer, as reported in an article on October 22.
According to the details, this change comes following the issuance of S.R.O.1635(I)/2024, which amends the Income Tax Rules. According to the new SRO, submitting a return by the due date will allow taxpayers to be included in the Active Taxpayer’s List (ATL), with the current year’s return determining their status as active filers instead of last year’s returns. Previously, it was mandatory to submit last year’s returns to qualify.
Individuals who file their income tax returns for the most recent tax year by the original or extended due date set by the Commissioner or the Board will be included in the ATL. The “latest tax year” is defined as the most recently completed tax year before the filing date, and it may also include the previous year if the deadline for that year has not yet passed.
For those who submit their returns after the designated due date, inclusion in the ATL is contingent on the payment of a specified surcharge as outlined in section 182A of the Income Tax Ordinance. Companies or associations formed after June 30 of the relevant tax year will also be eligible for inclusion in the ATL, provided their returns are not yet due.
Additionally, the FBR stated that individuals who file their returns with the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Central Board of Revenue or the Gilgit Baltistan Council Board of Revenue will also be recognised in the ATL.
As a graduate in English Literature, Zohaib believes that words are not just a mere figment of imagination. It takes wisdom to be good at them. Following this reason, he is pursuing his career as Public Relations and Content Specialist at Zameen.com.
