FBR fails to achieve tax collection target as July-Oct shortfall crosses Rs 270 billion

Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) fails to achieve tax collection target as July-October tax shortfall exceeds Rs 270 billion, reproted 24NewsHD TV Channel.  

In October 2025, FBR was able to collect Rs 952 billion in tax while the target was Rs 1026 billion.

However, FBR has recorded a significant increase in income tax return filings for fiscal year 2025 which marks a new milestone in voluntary compliance.  As of October 31, 2025, a total of 5.9 million tax returns have been filed, compared to 5 million returns in the same period last year, showing an increase of 17.6 percent. 

Out of these, 3.6 million taxpayers filed returns with tax payments, reflecting an 18.6 percent rise in taxpayers who contributed revenue along with their returns, compared to the same period in 2024.

Moreover, individual taxpayers have paid nearly PKR 9 billion more than last year, growing from PKR 60 billion to PKR 69 billion, representing a 15 percent increase in tax payments from individuals. 

The FBR appreciates the growing cooperation of citizens and reiterates its commitment to facilitating honest taxpayers through simplified processes, digital tools, and responsive communication, ensuring that Pakistan’s tax system becomes more fair, transparent, and inclusive. 

The rise in return filings is the outcome of a comprehensive outreach campaign jointly executed by the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Information, and the FBR.

As part of these efforts, nationwide robocalls and WhatsApp messages were disseminated to remind citizens of their civic duty to file tax returns.

In addition, FBR sent a series of behaviorally informed messages to taxpayers using third-party data, beginning with congratulatory notes, followed by informational messages about rights and obligations, and finally cautionary reminders, with nearly 800,000 such nudges issued across the country.