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Federal Board of Revenue will keep all major field offices open on Saturday, February 28, to facilitate taxpayers and ensure timely collection of duties and taxes.
BeNewz Report
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue said on Friday it will keep all Large Taxpayer Offices, Medium Taxpayer Offices, Corporate Tax Offices and Regional Tax Offices open on Saturday, February 28, 2026, to facilitate taxpayers and ensure smooth revenue collection.
In a statement issued from Islamabad, the Federal Board of Revenue directed all field formations, including LTOs, MTOs, CTOs and RTOs, to observe normal working hours on the weekend. The offices will collect duties, taxes and other levies as per routine operations.
The move comes at a time when revenue authorities typically intensify collection efforts near the close of a month to meet fiscal targets. Pakistan’s tax machinery has faced persistent pressure to enhance revenues amid a widening fiscal deficit and rising debt servicing costs. According to the Ministry of Finance’s latest fiscal report, tax collection remains critical to maintaining macroeconomic stability.
The Federal Board of Revenue plays a central role in mobilizing domestic resources. It collects income tax, sales tax, federal excise duty and customs duties. In recent years, the authority has expanded its digital tax systems and enforcement drives to broaden the tax base. Official data shows the number of income tax return filers has increased significantly over the past five years, reflecting documentation efforts.
Pakistan’s tax-to-GDP ratio remains below regional averages. According to World Bank data, the ratio has hovered in the low double digits, limiting fiscal space for development spending. The government has pledged to improve this ratio under ongoing structural reforms linked to international financial commitments.
Field offices such as LTOs and RTOs handle assessments, audits and recovery proceedings for corporate and individual taxpayers. LTOs generally oversee large corporate entities and multinational companies, while RTOs manage a broader range of individual and business taxpayers across regions.
Keeping offices open on a Saturday signals the revenue authority’s focus on meeting monthly and quarterly collection benchmarks. End-of-month extensions are common when payment deadlines approach or when reconciliation of receipts is required before closing accounts.
The Federal Board of Revenue has also been implementing technology-based solutions, including online payment systems and e-filing portals, to ease compliance. However, physical offices remain important for verification processes, dispute resolution and facilitation services.
Analysts say consistent revenue mobilization is essential as Pakistan navigates economic stabilization measures. Strengthening tax administration and improving compliance are key pillars of fiscal reform. Any shortfall in collection can widen the budget deficit and increase borrowing needs.
The decision to open offices on February 28 underscores the Federal Board of Revenue’s continued emphasis on revenue collection and taxpayer facilitation as the government seeks to maintain fiscal discipline and meet its annual targets.
