Author: Mrs. Anjum Shahnawaz

Withholding tax rates for foreign fund transfers through debt, credit cards

ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued withholding tax card for tax year 2020, effective from July 1, 2019 and notified 2 percent advance tax to be collected on gross amount of foreign transfers from persons not appeared on Active Taxpayers List (ATL).

The FBR said that every banking company is required to collect advance under section 236Y of Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, from person remitting amounts abroad.

The FBR further explained that the banking companies shall collect the advance tax from a person who has completed a transaction of credit card, or debit card, or pre-paid card, with a person outside Pakistan at the time of transfer of any sum remitted outside Pakistan through a transaction of a credit card or debit card or pre-paid card.

The advance tax shall be one percent on a person who filed income tax return within due date.

In case persons not appearing in the ATL, the applicable tax rate is to be increased by 100 percent i.e. two percent.

The advance tax on persons remitting amounts abroad through credit or debit or prepaid cards under Section 236Y was introduced through Finance Act, 2018.

The tax rate under this section during tax year 2019 was one percent of the gross amount remitted abroad for filers and three percent for non-filers.

August 13, 2019
Investment into premium prize bonds post 46pc growth

KARACHI: The investment in premium prize bonds of Rs40,000 denomination has increased by over 46 percent as the government stopped the circulation of bearer bonds of same denomination and launched campaign to document the economy.

According to statistics released by State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) the total investment into premium prize bonds of Rs40,000 denomination increased to Rs7.665 billion by end of June 2019 as compared with Rs5.245 billion in same month of the last year.

The premium prize bonds were launched by the government in March 2019 with the aim to bring undocumented money into the mainstream economy.

According to salient features of the premium bonds issued by Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS):

— The bond is available in Rs40,000 denomination

— Registered in the name of investor.

— Quarterly prize money draws as well as bi-annual profit payment.

— For individuals, public and private sector institutions except banks, insurance companies and mutual funds.

— Direct credit and prize money and profit in investors bank account.

— No Application Forms required for claiming prize money & profit.

— Unlimited Investment and Tenure.

— WHT applicable and Exempt from Zakat.

— Transferable and Pledge-able.

— Can be purchased through Cash, Cheque, Pay-Order and Bank Draft

— Can be purchased from offices of State Bank of Pakistan Banking Services Corporations.

The growth in premium prize bonds investment is much faster in the month of June 2019 as compared with the previous month due to the government announcement to stop the circulation of bearer bonds of Rs40,000 denomination.

The investment in Rs40,000 prize bonds denomination grew by 24 percent to Rs7.665 billion in June 2019 as compared with Rs6.17 billion in May 2019.

The government on June 24, 2019 notified withdrawal of Rs40,000 denomination national prize bonds from circulation.

On the same date the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) issued instructions to chief executives and banks of all banks for compliance.

The SBP instructed:

(a) National Prize Bonds of Rs40,000 denomination shall not be sold after June 24, 2019 and will not be encashed/redeemed after March 31, 2020.

(b) No further draws of Rs40,000 denomination national prize bonds shall be held.

(c) Cash payment for encashment of bonds is ‘Not’ allowed. However, the bond holder(s) shall have the following options to replace/encash the bonds:

1. Conversion of Premium Prize Bonds (Registered)

2. Replacement with Special Saving Certificate (SSC)/Defence Savings Certificate (DSC)

3. Encashment at Face Value.

The SBP also issued Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for conversion to premium prize bonds (registered).

i. The bonds can be converted to premium prize bonds (registered) through the 16 field offices of SBP Banking Services Corporation, and authorized branches of six commercial banks i.e. National Bank of Pakistan, Habib Bank Limited, United Bank Limited, MCB Bank Limited, Allied Bank Limited and Bank Alfalah Limited.

ii. The bond holder shall be required to submit a written request for conversion of bearer bonds to premium prize bonds (registered) to be registered in his/her name on the prescribed application form.

iii. The bond holder shall also be required to submit prescribed application form for registration/purchase of premium prize bonds as per the procedure in vogue.

The SBP also issued procedure for replacement with Special Saving Certificate (SSC)/Defence Savings Certificate (DSC).

i. The bonds can be replaced with SSC/DSC through the 16 field offices of SBP Banking Services Corporation, authorized commercial banks and National Saving Centers.

ii. All authorized commercial banks shall therefore, accept requests for replacement of bearer bonds with SSC or DSC on the prescribed application form.

iii. The bond holder shall also be required to submit application form for purchase of SSC/DSC as per the prescribed procedure.

The SBP issued procedure for encashment at face value and said that the bonds will only be encashed by transferring the proceeds to the bond holder’s bank account through the 16 field offices of SBP banking services corporation as well as the authorized commercial bank branches.

The SBP further said that all commercial banks shall receive request for encashment of bearer bonds on the prescribed application form.

The SBP said that the prize bonds encashed/replaced by general public may be surrendered to concerned SBP BSC office through respective regional office of the commercial bank. For the purpose, the regional office may intimate the SBP BSC office three days in advance so that necessary arrangements for receipt of the bonds can be made.

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August 13, 2019
Withholding tax card 2019/2020: minimum Rs20,000 payable on wedding event in major cities

ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to collect minimum Rs20,000 as adjustable advance tax from a person, who makes payment for wedding event at a commercial hall or lawn in major cities of the country.

According to updated withholding tax card for tax year 2019/2020 effective from July 01, 2019, the FBR said that under Section 236D of Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, prescribed persons / withholding agents shall collected the adjustable advance tax from person holding or arranging a function.

Every prescribed person shall collect tax under Section 236D(1) on the total amount of bill paid by a person holding or arranging functions in a marriage hall, Marquee, Hotel, Restaurant, Commercial Lawn, Clubs, Community Place or any other place used for such purpose:

tax rate for the function of marriage shall be:

5 percent of the bill ad valorem or Rs. 20,000, whichever is higher for the following cities:

Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Bahawalpur, Sargodha, Sahiwal, Shekhupura, Dera Ghazi Khan, Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Thatta, Larkana, Mirpur Khas, Nawabshah, Peshawar, Mardan, Abbottabad, Kohat, Dera Ismail Khan,

Quetta, Sibi, Loralai, Khuzdar, Dera Murad Jamali

(ii) 5 percent of the bill ad valorem or Rs. 10,000/- whichever is higher for other cities.

[New proviso]

The rate for the function of marriage will be 5 percent of the bill ad valorem or Rs. 5,000/- whichever is higher :

(a) In the case of a marriage hall, marquee or a community place, with total function area less 500 sq. yards; or

(b) In case of a multi storied premises, with the largest total function area on one floor less than 500 sq. yards.

The FBR said that under Section 236D(2) the tax rate for other functions shall be five percent on payment of food, service, or any other facility related to function and gathering.

August 12, 2019
Eid-ul-Azha Mubarak

PkRevenue.com wishes Happy Eid-ul-Azha Mubarak to all valuable readers.

August 12, 2019
FBR notifies last date of payment, sales tax return filing by electricity, gas companies

ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has notified date for payment and filing monthly sales tax returns by electricity and gas distribution companies.

The FBR amended Rule 18 of Sales Tax Rules, 2006 through SRO 918(I)/2019 dated August 07, 2019, under which registered persons are required to file monthly sales tax electronic returns.

According to FBR, the due date of payment for electricity distribution companies is 18th of the month following the tax period in which the bill or invoice has been issued for the supplies made during the billing period. While the last date for filing returns electronically is 21sth day following the 18th day (for payment).

For Independent Power Producers, the FBR said that the last date of payment is 22nd day of the month following the tax period of which sales tax invoice relates. The last date for electronic filing of sales tax return is 25th day following the 22nd day (for payment).

In case of gas transmission and distribution companies, the last date of payment is 15th of the month following the tax period in which the bill or invoice has been issued for the supplies made during the billing period. The last date for electronically filing sales tax returns is 18th day following the 15th day (for payment).

The FBR said that the last date of depositing sales tax collected on supplies by petroleum exploration and production companies is 18th of the month following the tax period in which supplies were made. While the last date for filing sales tax return is 21st day following the 18th day (for payment).

The CNG dealers are required to make payment and file sales tax returns on quarterly basis. The FBR said that the last date of payment in case of CNG dealers is 15th day of the month following the end of quarter of the financia year. The last date for electronically filing sales tax return is 18th day following the 15th day (for payment).

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August 11, 2019
Investment in saving certificates rises by 19 percent to Rs2,217 billion

KARACHI: The investment in saving certificates has registered 19 percent growth to increase Rs2,217 billion in the last fiscal year owing to better rate of interest and safe investment avenue.

The data released by State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) revealed that the investment increased to Rs2,217 billion by June 2019 as compared with Rs1,865 billion by end of same month of 2018.

Experts said that the weak economic situation and continuous increase in interest rate by the central bank encourage investment in saving schemes.

According to the central bank data the investment in the certificates issued by National Saving Center (NSC) rose by 20 percent to Rs2,096 billion by June 2019 as compared with Rs1,749 billion in the same month a year ago.

The central bank had adopted monetary tightening stance since May 25, 2018 and pushed up interest rates to 13.25 percent from 6 percent during the past eight consecutive policy announcements.

The market sources further elaborated that the deterioration in stock market was also a major factor behind significant investment in the government securities.

As per the data the investment in the Defence Saving Certificates (DSC) increased to Rs393.58 billion by June 2019 as compared with Rs336.24 billion in the same month of last year.

Meanwhile, the investment in Special Saving Certificates (SSC) grew to Rs413.71 billion fro Rs381.87 billion in the period under review.

The data further showed that the investment in Regular Income Certificates posted sharp growth of 41 percent to Rs489.62 billion by June 30, 2019 as compared with Rs347.532 billion in the corresponding month of the last year.

Further the investment in Behbood Saving Certificates grew to Rs914.46 billion from Rs794 billion.

The market sources said that the government drive to document the economy and announcement to stop the circulation of Rs40,000 denomination prize bonds encouraged investors to divert the investments into saving schemes.

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August 11, 2019
FBR excludes self-generated goodwill from intangibles

ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has said that self-generated goodwill or any adjustment arising on account of account treatment as may be prescribed in rules has been excluded from the definition of intangibles.

Explaining the changes made to Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 through Finance Act, 2019, the FBR said that the term intangible has been defined in sub-section (11) of section 24.

The Ordinance defines the intangible as: “any patent, invention, design or model, secret formula or process, copyright, trade mark, scientific or technical knowledge, computer software, motion picture film, export quotas, franchise, licence, intellectual property, or other like property or right, contractual rights and any expenditure that provides an advantage or benefit for a period of more than one year (other than expenditure incurred to acquire a depreciable asset or unimproved land).

The FBR said that amortization deduction has been allowed under Section 24 for the cost of a person’s intangibles that have a normal useful life exceeding one year and that are wholly or partly used by the person in the tax year in deriving income from business chargeable to tax.

Amortization deduction for a tax year is computed by dividing the cost of the intangible over normal useful life of the intangible in whole year.

Prior to the Finance Act, 2019, sub-section (4) of Section 24 stated that where an intangible had a normal useful life of more than ten years or where its useful life was not ascertainable, it was treated to have a normal useful life of 10 years.

Through the Finance Act, 2019, sub-section (4) of Section 24 has been substituted to the effect that an intangible shall now be amortized over its actual normal useful life which can extend beyond ten years also.

Further, where the normal useful life is not ascertainable, the intangible shall be treated to have normal useful life of 25 years.

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August 11, 2019
MCC Appraisement West to work on Sunday to clear pending consignments before Eid holidays

KARACHI: Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Appraisement – West will observe Sunday, August 11, 2019 as normal working day in order to facilitate trade in clearance of their pending consignments ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Appraisement, West on Saturday issued letter to Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT) to observe Sunday as normal working days for examination at the terminal. The collectorate decided to observe the weekly holiday as normal working day on the issue raised by Karachi Customs Agents Association (KCAA) about huge number of pending containers at the KICT.

The colletorate pointed out that despite reminders to KICT management there are 200 containers, which are remained not cleared till August 10, 2019 as Eid ul Azha is falling on August 12, 2019 following by four public holidays.

Slackness in disposal of work on part of terminal is not only effecting cash liquidity position of the traders but increase their clearance time along with causing mental agony to them, it said.

The collectorate directed the terminal operator to expedite grounding of all pending containers but also match the infrastructure and human resource with the requirement of work at the port.

Mostly, grounding at port is affected when delivery is being made at night by terminal or containers are being discharged from berthed vessels. This situation is undesirable and the terminal should make maximum arrangements to liquidate the pendency, the collectorate said.

As interim arrangement customs on its own is going to observe normal working day on Sunday and it directed the terminal to make maximum grounding in order to mitigate the worries of trade and dispose of examination work at the port.

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August 10, 2019
Naqvi to make capital market attractive place for investors: PTBA

KARACHI: Pakistan Tax Bar Association (PTBA) on Saturday welcomed the appointment of Syed Masoud Ali Naqvi as Chairman Policy Board of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).

In a statement, the tax bar said that Naqvi would able to guide the SECP effectively on various matters and challenges that the commission was facing as a regulator.

The tax bar particularly pointed out that Naqvi would able to make the capital market an attractive avenue for local and foreign investors.

August 10, 2019
KCCI managing committee elected unopposed for next two years

KARACHI: All candidates of Businessmen Group (BMG) have been elected unopposed for the Managing Committee of Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry for the term 2019-2021.

According to details, a total of 32 nominations were received by the Election Commission who all belonged to Businessmen Group, a statement said on Saturday

The nominations papers were scrutinized by the Election Commission, which rejected 10 nomination papers by declaring them invalid whereas 7 candidates withdrew their nomination papers, resulting in unanimous election of the remaining 15 BMG candidates.

Therefore, all 15 BMGIANs were declared successful in KCCI’s Election 2019-21.

Siraj Kassam Teli, Chairman Businessmen Group (BMG) and Former President KCCI, on the occasion, expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah and conveyed thanks and compliments to the Business and Industrial community of Karachi for reposing confidence and trust on Businessmen Group.

Siraj Teli said, “By the grace of Almighty Allah, BMG has been winning all the elections without losing a single seat for the last 22 years and after terribly defeating the opponents in last year’s election with double the votes, BMGIANs have been blessed with an unopposed victory by the Almighty Allah.

He said that 22 years of success is an acknowledgement of the public service by the Businessmen Group which also testifies that overwhelming majority of Business and Industrial Community endorses the policies of BMG because they understand and believe that BMGians are serving them selflessly for their betterment.

BMG Chairman hoped that the newly elected BMGians will make all out efforts in espousing the cause of Business and Industrial Community and to further enhance the status of public service which is the motto of BMG.

The successful BMGians include names of Mohammad Junaid Mundia, Arshad Islam, Agha Shahab Ahmed Khan, Muhammad Altaf Tai, Abdul Samad Shaikh, Atif Jamil ur Rehman, Muhammed Asif, Chaudhry Nasir Abdullah, Ibrahim Mustafa Ahmed Shamsi, Rafiq Muhammad Siddiq, Khurram Ajaz, Ovais Adil, Abdul Rehman Punjwani, Sohail Usman Sheikh and Junaid ur Rehman.

As the Managing Committee members have been unanimously elected, hence no general election for Managing Committee will be held on September 21, 2019 whereas the election of KCCI’s Office Bearers for 2019-20 is scheduled to be held on Thursday, September 26, 2019 wherein BMG’s candidates Agha Shahab Ahmed Khan for President, Arshad Islam for Senior Vice President and Shahid Ismail for Vice President will be elected unanimously as the Managing Committee comprises of all BMGIANs.

August 10, 2019