VAT Return Deadline Extended to Feb 22 After Holidays and System Outage

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has extended the deadline for submitting online VAT returns for the January 2026 tax period to 22 February, citing public interest.

In an official order, the NBR said the extension was needed because a long stretch of government holidays around Shab-e-Barat and the 13th national election disrupted business operations and tax compliance.

Taxpayers also faced technical problems on 15 February, when the OTP server of the e-Challan system went down, preventing many from completing their submissions on time.

Using its authority under Section 64 (1A) of the Value Added Tax and Supplementary Duty Act, 2012, the NBR granted additional time to file returns.

Officials said the move is intended to ensure that businesses and VAT-registered entities are not penalized for delays caused by holidays and technical issues beyond their control. The extended deadline, they added, should allow taxpayers to complete submissions smoothly.

The NBR urged all VAT-registered entities to use the extended period responsibly and submit their January 2026 returns within the new deadline to avoid penalties and remain compliant.