Islamabad: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has granted exporters a one-month extension to submit affidavits along with their sales tax returns, originally due this month for September’s filings.

According to Zameen.Com, the decision was made in response to concerns from the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and other exporter associations. The delay allows for the submission of alternative proposals from stakeholders regarding the verification process of sales tax returns by October 31. The FBR has also suggested it may revise the affidavit requirements should legitimate issues be raised.

The FBR emphasized that the requirement for an affidavit does not introduce new legal obligations but serves as a reaffirmation of the existing laws. It warned that falsification of tax returns or use of fake invoices would incur severe penalties under the Sales Tax Act of 1990, which include both financial and criminal consequences.