By In a relief to vehicle owners in Islamabad, the Excise and Taxation Department has extended the deadline for paying vehicle token tax by 15 days. The new deadline is now January 15, 2025, offering citizens an opportunity to fulfill their tax obligations and avoid hefty penalties. However, the department has emphasized that this extension is final, urging vehicle owners to comply promptly.
Severe Penalties for Non-Compliance
The department has issued a stern warning: failure to pay the token tax by the new deadline will result in the cancellation of vehicle registration and a hefty fine amounting to 200% of the original tax. This strict measure aims to address the rising number of defaulters and ensure compliance with tax laws.
Random checks are being conducted across the city to identify defaulters, and the department has encouraged vehicle owners to take advantage of this extended deadline to avoid legal consequences.
How to Pay the Token Tax
To streamline the process, the department has integrated token tax payments into the Islamabad City App. This app offers a range of services, including online car verification, traffic challan payment, car transfer, and token tax payment. Here’s a step-by-step guide to paying your token tax:
- Login to the Islamabad City App
Open the app and select the Excise and Taxation Department option. - Select “Token Tax”
Under this section, you’ll find two options:- Pay Token Tax
- View Paid Token Tax
- View and Pay Dues
The system will display a list of due token tax payments. Choose your preferred payment method:- 1 BILL: Generates a unique PSID number for payment.
- e-sahulat: Generates a tracking ID for payment.
- Make the Payment
Use the generated PSID or tracking ID to complete the payment via bank transfers, ATM transactions, or other supported channels.
This system ensures a hassle-free and efficient payment process for vehicle owners.
Extended Office Hours for Assistance
In an additional effort to facilitate taxpayers, the Excise and Taxation Department has extended office hours at relevant counters to 8 PM daily. The department encourages citizens, particularly smart card holders, to utilize the Islamabad City App for a seamless payment experience.
Rising Defaults Prompt Strict Action
The decision to extend the deadline follows the department’s observation of a significant increase in the number of defaulters. Despite previous penalties, many vehicle owners have failed to pay their dues, leaving vehicles unregistered for several years. This situation has compelled the department to take stricter measures, including random inspections and the imposition of severe penalties on defaulters.
Final Opportunity for Compliance
Director Bilal Azam Khan has urged vehicle owners to treat this extension as a final opportunity to meet their tax obligations. He emphasized the importance of compliance, not only to avoid penalties but also to support the government in maintaining essential public services.
The 15-day extension for vehicle token tax payment provides a critical window for defaulters to regularize their vehicle registrations and avoid harsh consequences. With convenient online payment options through the Islamabad City App and extended office hours, the department has made it easier than ever to fulfill this civic responsibility. Vehicle owners are strongly advised to act promptly to avoid facing fines or registration cancellations.
