ISLAMABAD: Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has notified regulations to promote warehouse receipt financing and electronic trading of agricultural commodities.
The SECP on Friday issued Collateral Management Companies (CMC) Regulations, 2019 under the Companies Act, 2017 to promote warehouse receipt financing and electronic trading of agricultural commodities.
Under these Regulations, any public limited company with a minimum paid-up capital of Rs. 200 million will be eligible for seeking permission of SECP to register as a CMC.
A CMC, through its accredited warehouses, will provide storage and preservation services for a range of agricultural commodities.
In doing so, a CMC, through its electronic warehouse receipt system, will issue warehouse receipts which can be used by farmers/depositors of agricultural commodity for financing from financial institutions and trading of electronic warehouse receipt at the exchange.
The CMC will play an effective role in the agriculture value chain by ensuring security of collateral stored in the accredited warehouse through its robust oversight mechanism.
Earlier, the SECP through a notification dated July 2, 2019 issued draft regulations for public consultation.
During this consultative process, comprehensive deliberations were carried out with key stakeholders including the State Bank of Pakistan, Pakistan Banks Association, Pakistan Agricultural Coalition, Pakistan Mercantile Association and commercial banks.
After incorporating comments of the stakeholders, the regulations have been notified.
Salient amendments, after public consultation, include reduction in the registration fee of a CMC, removal of requirement for periodic accreditation, easing of documentary requirements for sponsors of a CMC, allowing electronic warehouse receipt to be traded on the exchange, and according enforcement powers to the CMC for cancelling accreditation of warehouse upon occurrence of certain events.
SECP envisages that these amendments would help support its overall strategic objective of promoting ease of doing business.
Promulgation of these regulations, in addition to providing a well-designed collateral management system, is envisaged to complement the agenda of the Government for uplifting agriculture sector which entails improved access to finance for farmers, improved farmer profitability and reduced risk for creditors through secure collateral.
ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has extended the last date for filing income tax returns for tax year 218 up to August 09, 2019.
The FBR on Friday issued Circular No. 09 for extension in date of filing of income tax returns/statements for tax year 2018.
The FBR announced to further extend the last date for filing income tax returns and statements for tax year 2018 for salaried persons, business individuals, Association of Persons and Companies up to August 09, 2019.
The previous extended date for filing income tax returns was August 02, 2019.
KARACHI: The stock exchange fell by 173 points on Friday owing to selling pressure witnessed in major scrips.
The benchmark KSE-100 index of Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) closed at 31,666 points as against 31,839 points showing a decline of 173 points.
Analysts at Arif Habib Limited said that following the trend of past 3 months, market slid again following the close of rollover week and saw index slip by a total of 405 points, ending the session with -173 points.
E&P, Banks and Power sectors contributed to the decline in index, where selling pressure was observed in HUBC, MCB, HBL, UBL, POL and PPL.
Cement sector again led the volumes with 8.8 million shares, followed by Engineering (8.7 million) and Banks (3.7 million). ISL became the volume leader with 5 million shares, followed by MLCF (4.5 million) and FCCL (2.1 million).
Sectors contributing to the performance include Banks (-115 points), E&P (-64 points), O&GMCs (-26 points), Food (+16 points) and Power (-12 points).
Volumes declined from 70.6 million shares to 46.4 million shares. Average traded value, on the other hand, registered a slight increase of 1.5 percent DoD to reach US$ 12.8 million as against US 12.6 million.
Stocks that contributed significantly to the volumes include ISL, MLCF, FCCL, MUGHAL and PAEL, which formed 33 percent of total volumes.
Stocks that contributed positively include HUBC (+12 points), NESTLE (+10 points), LUCK (+9 points), ISL (+5 points) and PKGS (+4 points). Stocks that contributed negatively include PPL (-40 points), HBL (-32 points), MCB (-26 points), UBL (-24 points) and NBP (-14 points).
ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued withholding tax rate on rental income of immovable properties, which are applicable from July 01, 2019.
The FBR issued withholding tax card for tax year starting July 01, 2019, and said that every prescribed persons (withholding agents) shall collect withholding tax under Section 155 of Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 at the time of receipt of rent of immovable property at the time the rent is actually paid.
The FBR said that the tax shall be adjustable. The withholding tax shall be deducted at the following rates:
A. In case of individual or Association of Persons (AOPs)
1. Where the gross amount of rent does not exceed Rs, 200,000: No tax shall be deducted.
2. Where the gross amount of rent exceeds Rs, 200,000 but does not exceed Rs, 600,000: 5% of the gross amount exceeding Rs, 200,000
3. Where the gross amount of rent exceeds Rs, 600,000 but does not exceed Rs, 1,000,000: Rs, 20,000+10% of the gross amount exceeding Rs, 600,000.
4. Where the gross amount of rent exceeds Rs, 1,000,000 but does not exceed Rs, 2,000,000: Rs,60,000+15% of the gross amount exceeding Rs, 1,000,000.
5. Where the gross amount of rent exceeds Rs, 2,000,000 but does not exceed Rs. 4,000,000: Rs, 210,000+20% of the gross amount exceeding Rs, 2,000,000.
6. Where the gross amount of rent exceeds Rs.4,000,000 but does not exceeds Rs. 6,000,000: Rs.610,000 plus 25 per cent of the gross amount exceeding Rs.4,000,000.
7. Where the gross amount of rent exceeds Rs.6,000,000 but does not exceeds Rs. 8,000,000: Rs.1,110,000 plus 30 percent of the gross amount exceeding Rs.6,000,000.
8. Where the gross amount of rent exceeds Rs.8,000,000: Rs.1,710,000 plus 35 percent of the gross amount exceeding Rs.8,000,000.
B. The FBR said that in case of company the tax rate shall be 15 percent.
The FBR further explained that as per Finance Act, 2019, the provisions of newly inserted 10th schedule of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 shall not apply on tax rental income deducted under section 155.
KARACHI: The Pak Rupee gained 30 paisas against dollar on Friday as overseas Pakistanis were sending remittances to their relatives for Eid related expenses.
The rupee closed at Rs159.12 to the dollar from previous day’s closing of Rs159.42 in interbank foreign exchange market.
The local currency recovered around Rs1.47 against the dollar during past five consecutive days.
The foreign currency market was initiated in the range of Rs159.45 and Rs159.55. The market recorded day high of Rs159.55 and low of Rs159.08 and closed at Rs159.12.
The exchange rate in open market also witnessed gain of 20 paisas in the rupee value. The buying and selling of dollar was recorded at Rs158.40/Rs159.40 from previous day’s closing of Rs158.60/Rs159.60 in cash ready market.
ISLAMABAD: The headline inflation based on Consumer Price Index (CPI) has increased by 10.3 percent on year-on-year basis in July, 2019, said Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Thursday.
The inflation has been increased as compared to an increase of 8.9 percent in the previous month and 5.8 percent in July 2018.
On month-on-month basis, it increased by 2.3 percent in July 2019 as compared to an increase of 0.4 percent in the previous month and an increase of 0.9 percent in corresponding month i.e. July 2018.
Core inflation measured by non-food non-energy CPI (Core NFNE) increased by 7.8 percent on (YoY) basis in July 2019 as compared to an increase of 7.2 percent in the previous month and 7.6 percent in July 2018. On (MoM) basis, it in-creased by 1.7 percent in July 2019 as compared to an increase of 0.3 percent in previous month, and an increase of 1.2 percent in corresponding month of last year i.e. July 2018.
Core inflation, measured by 20 percent weighted trimmed mean CPI (Core Trimmed) increased by 8.0 percent on (YoY) basis in July 2019 as compared to 7.3 percent in the previous month and by 5.9 percent in July 2018.
On (MoM) basis, it increased by 1.7 percent in July 2019 as compared to an increase of 0.4 percent in the previous month and an increase of 0.9 percent in cor-responding month of last year i.e. July 2018.
Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) based inflation on YoY basis increased by 12.2 percent in July 2019 as compared to an increase of 10.6 percent a month earlier and an increase of 3.6 percent in July 2018.
On MoM basis, it increased by 2.6 percent as compared to an increase of 1.6 percent in the previous month and an increase of 1.2 percent in corresponding month of last year i.e. July 2018.
Wholesale Price Index (WPI0 inflation on YoY basis increased by 13.5 percent in July 2019 as compared to an increase of 12.7 percent a month earlier and an increase of 10.5 percent in July 2018.
WPI inflation on MoM basis increased by 3.1 percent in July 2019 as compared to an increase of 0.3 percent a month earlier and an increase of 2.4 percent in corresponding month of last year i.e. July 2018.
ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued simplified tax return and wealth statement forms for traders in order to resolve problems of traders regarding tax compliance.
The FBR on Thursday issued draft simplified scheme for traders and stated that the scheme has been prepared after having practical research and discussion on the subject and exclusive interaction with the trade bodies.
It has been observed that traders’ genuine problems regarding tax compliance have to be addressed. The issues which are considered compelling by all the stakeholders are:-
(i) Complicated tax regime and equally complicated requirement of record keeping;
(ii) Complicated return form and wealth statement;
(iii) Personal interaction and personalized jurisdiction that has high probability of abuse of discretion even leading to corruption and harassment;
(iv) Complicated requirements for compliance such as withholding etc
In the proposed scheme all the four major concerns have been addressed.
Proposals from stakeholders as well as general public are invited for any modification in the above scheme. After public review the scheme will be put before the Federal Cabinet for final approval. It is expected that this reformed simplified procedure will be a new beginning on this subject.
INCOME TAX SPECIAL PROCEDURE FOR TRADERS
1. Scope and commencement.—(1) Subject to Rule 2 and 4, this procedure shall apply to traders including retailers and wholesalers who may opt to file Return under scheme. The procedure shall come into force with effect from Tax Year 2019
2. Persons covered.- For the purposes of this scheme a trader including retailer and wholesaler shall be an individual or association of persons carrying on business of buying and supplying goods to the general public or other businesses for the purpose of consumption, and has (a) turnover less than Rs 50 million;
(b) self-invested equity less than Rs 50 million;
(c ) cost of fixed assets less than Rs 100 million;
(d) number of employees less than or equal to five;
but does not include persons covered under small shopkeepers scheme under section 99B of the Ordinance.
The thresholds as prescribed shall be increased by ten percent each year to account for economic progression in business. The Federal Government shall prescribe the maximum limit when a person under this scheme shall be required to observe general provisions of the Ordinance.
This scheme shall only be applicable for persons resident in Pakistan.
Accounting Method and Computation of Income.- (1) A person accounting for income under the head business opting under this scheme shall derive income when it is received and shall incur expenditure when it is paid on cash basis connected with business. The excess of receipts over expenditure shall be considered as income liable to tax except for the adjustment of opening and closing stocks on a consistent basis if the taxpayer so desires for such an adjustment.
(2) Section 21 shall not apply in such cases except clause (n).
Registration and Filing of Return.- (1) All persons who are not already registered with FBR will be registered under this scheme shall submit the registration form on IRIS through FBR website.
(2) Person who holds NTN but has not filed Return in preceding five tax years may also submit registration form.
(3) Each person falling under this scheme shall electronically file a simplified Return of income accompanied with evidence of payment of due tax and simplified wealth statement. Such return filed shall be treated as assessment order under section 120 for the purposes of the Ordinance.
(4) All persons opting for under this scheme shall be required to file Return by September 30, 2019.
(5) Return and Wealth Statement filed may be revised without approval of CIR within sixty days.
Automated and Non-Jurisdictional system.- (1) There shall be national (central) jurisdiction in respect of persons falling under this scheme.
(2) All persons falling under this scheme shall be communicated through prescribed automated system.
Tax Rate and Payment of Tax.- (1) Income computed under Rule 3 shall be chargeable to under the head ‘Income from Business’ and tax payable thereon shall be computed at the rate prescribed under Division I, Part I of the First Schedule to the Ordinance.
(2) In case of loss for the year or tax liability less than one and half percent of turnover, minimum tax equal to one and half percent of receipts shall be payable.
(3) Tax paid under any provision of the Ordinance shall be minimum tax.
(4) An association of persons shall be liable to tax separately from the members of the association. The amount received by a member of the association in the capacity as member out of the income of the association shall be exempt from tax.
Examination of Return.- (1) Examination of assessment under this scheme shall be limited to activities and purposes within this scheme. The process, procedure and reporting of examination shall be prescribed.
(2) Where a person in respect of income is selected for examination under this scheme, the process of examination shall be undertaken not allowing any personal visit by any tax authority to the premises of the taxpayer, except with the approval of Federal Board of Revenue.
(3) No examination shall be undertaken after the expiry of five years from the date of filing the Return for that tax year.
(4) Definite Information: Where definite information regarding concealment of income or evasion of tax is available as defined under sub section (8) of Section 122 of the Ordinance, particular examination of the taxpayer may be undertaken, notwithstanding the provisions of this scheme. 5) No action under this Section will be undertaken prior to the approval of a Committee constituted by FBR consisting of three persons including a member of trade body not being the employee of the Government.
Dispute Resolution and Appeals.- (1) Where a person is dissatisfied with examination conducted, the matter shall be referred to dispute resolution committee to be formed under this scheme.
(2) The decision of dispute resolution Committee shall be binding on Federal Board of Revenue and not on the taxpayer;
(3) Person dissatisfied with examination conducted or decision of the DRC can file appeal under section 127 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 after payment of 25 percent of tax payable.
(4) Provisions of Par III of Chapter VIII shall remain applicable on cases where there is a dispute on account of examination as undertaken under this scheme.
Withholding Agent.- (1) Person falling under this scheme shall not be required to act as withholding agent under any provision of the Ordinance.
Advance Tax.- Any person falling under this scheme may at its own option pay advance tax equal to one fourth of the tax liability as per last tax year in four equal installments.
Books of Accounts.- Persons falling under scheme shall keep and maintain books of accounts. The cash and bank book so maintained shall be the only ‘Books of Accounts’ required to be kept by the persons falling under this scheme for the purposes of compliance of this Ordinance.
Miscellaneous Provisions.- Source of self-invested equity for any earlier year shall be accepted.
Income under any other head shall be taxable under relevant provisions of the Ordinance.
For the purpose of collection and recovery of tax, provisions of Part IV of Chapter X shall apply.
Provisions of Section 182 and Section 205 shall apply accordingly.
The information disclosed by whistleblower shall be dealt in accordance with section 227B of the Ordinance.
The Federal Government may, from time to time, by notification in the official Gazette, amend the scheme so as to add, alter, omit or modify any provision therein.
Definitions.— Under this scheme, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context,—
(1) “Books of Accounts” means the prescribed cash/bank book containing all entries in respect of monies received and paid including those directly entered into bank account.
(2) “Fixed Assets” means under this scheme, property of any kind connected with business held by a person but does not include stock-in-trade.
(3) “Self-invested Equity” means personal funds invested in trade/business other than accumulated profits.
(4) “Turn over” means receipts from the sale of goods.
(5) All other expressions used but not defined in these rules shall have the same meaning as assigned to them under the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.
RETURN OF INCOME UNDER RULE 4 OF THE TRADERS SCHEME
Form A
CNIC/NTN
Tax Year
Name*
Due Date
Address*
Business Assets
Filing Date
Employees
Equity/Capital
Description
Total Amount
1.
Turnover/Receipts
2.
Cost of Sales
3.
Opening Stock
4.
Purchases
5.
Closing Stock
6.
Other direct Expenses
7.
Gross Profit
8.
Overhead expenditure
9.
Net Profit/ Taxable income
10.
Income from all others sources
11.
Tax chargeable
12.
Minimum Tax
13.
Tax payable whichever is higher
14.
Tax already Paid
15.
Net tax payable/refundable
15.
Bank Account #
Verification
I Mr._____________ holding CNIC ______________do solemnly declare that to the best of my knowledge and belief the information given in this Return is correct and complete in accordance with the provisions of the Scheme.
Signature:
Date
WEALTH STATEMENT UNDER RULE 4 OF THE TRADERS SCHEME
Form B
S. No.
Description
CNIC/NTN
Tax Year
2019
Name
Due Date
1
Property/ Assets
2
House/Plot
3
Shop
4
Vehicle
5
Business Capital
6
Cash in hand/ Bank
7
Investment /Advance
8
Loan/liabilities
9
Net Assets
10
Reconciliation of Net Assets
11
Net Assets Current year
12
Net Assets Previous Year
13
Increase/Decrease in Assets
14
Income as per Return
15
Other inflows (Gift, Loan, remittance etc)
16
Outflows (Gift, Loan etc)
17
Personal Expenses
Verification
I Mr.______ holding CNIC _____
do solemnly declare that to the best of my knowledge and belief the information given in this Return is correct and complete in accordance with the provisions of the Scheme.
