VAT returns to be filed within 15 days

The government is bringing back the provision requiring VAT returns to be filed within 15 days of the end of each tax period.

However, government, semi-government and autonomous bodies, banks, insurance companies, and entities filing zero returns will have up to 20 days to submit their returns.

The Cabinet approved the draft “Value Added Tax and Supplementary Duty (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026” at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat on Monday.

The amendment to Section 64 of the VAT and Supplementary Duty Act, 2012, replaces the current provision allowing returns to be filed within 15 days after every three tax periods.

If the 15th day falls on a public holiday, the return must be submitted on the next working day.

-AJM