Islamabad has announced an extension for vehicle token tax payments, moving the deadline to January 15, 2025. This 15-day grace period is designed to provide vehicle owners with additional time to fulfill their tax obligations without facing immediate penalties. The decision, taken by the Islamabad Excise and Taxation Department, aims to alleviate the pressure on citizens during the often hectic beginning of the year.
Bilal Azam, Director of the Excise and Taxation Department, emphasized the importance of timely compliance, warning that defaulters will face strict consequences. These include the potential cancellation of vehicle registrations and fines of up to 200% of the unpaid tax amount. Such measures underline the department’s commitment to ensuring adherence to tax regulations while promoting a culture of accountability among vehicle owners.
To facilitate timely payments, excise counters across Islamabad will operate extended hours, remaining open until 8:00 p.m. daily. This initiative is intended to make the payment process more accessible and convenient for citizens, reducing the likelihood of penalties or registration issues. Director Azam reiterated the importance of meeting the new deadline, highlighting the significant inconvenience that registration cancellations could cause for non-compliant vehicle owners.
In a further effort to enhance public convenience, the department introduced a special on-site service at Trail 3 parking lot. Between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m., citizens could access various vehicle-related services, including token tax payments, registration renewals, and transfer processes. This initiative aimed to streamline services and improve efficiency, with excise staff present to assist citizens and ensure a smooth experience.
The department also launched the ICT Doorstep Service, broadening access to essential administrative processes. This service enables residents of Islamabad to complete various tasks from a single platform, including obtaining Domicile Certificates, Birth Certificates, Power of Attorney documents, International Driving Permits, Fuel Permits (Domestic/Commercial), and Motor Vehicle Registrations. By integrating multiple services into one streamlined system, the initiative reflects the administration’s dedication to improving service delivery and making bureaucratic procedures less cumbersome.
The extension of the tax payment deadline, coupled with the introduction of user-friendly services, underscores Islamabad’s commitment to fostering a citizen-centric approach in public administration. These steps not only provide immediate relief to vehicle owners but also pave the way for more efficient governance in the future.