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  • SRB extends date for filing sales tax return up to April 30

    SRB extends date for filing sales tax return up to April 30

    KARACHI: Sindh Revenue Board (SRB) on Thursday extended the last date for filing sales tax returns for the month of March up to April 30, 2010 to facilitate taxpayers in the wake of ongoing lockdown to prevent coronavirus outbreak.

    The SRB issued a circular to extend the date for filing sales tax return for month of March 2020 up to April 30, 2020 from the exiting due date of April 18, 2020.

    The SRB also extended the date for payment of sales tax on services for the month of March 2020 up to April 27, 2020 from April 15, 2020,

    The Karachi Tax Bar Association (KTBA) requested the provincial tax authority to extend the date for filing monthly returns.

    The tax bar said that due to ongoing lockdown for prevention of coronavirus outbreak, the grant of date extension would help the taxpayers in discharging their liabilities.

  • Tax collection from phone services jumps up 630 percent

    Tax collection from phone services jumps up 630 percent

    ISLAMABAD: The collection of withholding tax from phone subscribers registered a phenomenal increase of 630 percent to Rs27 billion during first half of the current fiscal year, according to data made available to PkRevenue.com

    The sources in Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) told that the restoration of withholding tax on phone usage by the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SBP) helped the tax authorities to generate substantial amount during the period under review.

    The data revealed that the FBR collected withholding tax to the tune of Rs27 billion during first six months (July – December) 2019/2020 as compared with Rs3.7 billion collection in the corresponding period of the last fiscal year.

    The FBR collects withholding tax on telephone usage under Section 236 of Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 from telephone subscribers and internet.

    The tax rate is zero percent on monthly bill up to Rs1,000. However the bill exceeding Rs1,000 shall liable to tax rate at 10 percent.

    In case subscriber of internet, mobile telephone and pre-paid internet or telephone card the tax rate shall be 12.5 percent of the amount of bill or sales price of internet pre-paid card or prepaid telephone card or sale of units through any electronic medium or whatever form.

    The phone companies preparing bills or selling prepaid cards are responsible to collect withholding tax on behalf of the FBR from telephone subscribers, internet subscribers, purchaser of internet prepaid cards.

    The withholding tax collected from phone usage is adjustable against the taxpayers’ liability.

    The FBR incurred a loss of Rs55 billion in 2018/2019 due to suspension of withholding tax on telecommunication services by the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

  • FBR amends list for exemption on equipment for coronavirus prevention

    FBR amends list for exemption on equipment for coronavirus prevention

    In a continued effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued an updated list of duty and tax-exempt items crucial for the prevention and control of the virus.

    (more…)
  • FBR exempts withholding tax on commission for Ehsaas Program

    FBR exempts withholding tax on commission for Ehsaas Program

    ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has exempted the withholding tax on commission agent for disbursement of Ehsaas Emergency Program.

    The FBR issued SRO 315(I)/2020 dated April 16, 2020 to make amendment to Second Schedule of Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.

    According to the amendment, a new clause 102A inserted to Part IV of the Second Schedule, which stated: “The provisions of Section 233 shall not apply to commission received by a retail branchless banking agent on any amount disbursed by the Ehsaas Emergency Cash Transfer Program for the period commencing on the date of issuance of this notification and ending on the 30th day of June, 2020.”

    The Section 233 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 explains application of withholding tax on brokerage and commission.

    Where any payment on account of brokerage or commission is made by the Federal Government, a Provincial Government, a Local Government, a company or an association of persons constituted by, or under any law (hereinafter called the “principal”) to a person (hereinafter called the “agent”), the principal shall deduct advance tax at the rate specified in Division II of Part IV of the First Schedule from such payment.

    If the agent retains Commission or brokerage from any amount remitted by him to the principal, he shall be deemed to have been paid the commission or brokerage by the principal and the principal shall collect advance tax from the agent.

  • SBP cuts policy rate to 9pc to dilute coronavirus impact on growth, employment

    SBP cuts policy rate to 9pc to dilute coronavirus impact on growth, employment

    KARACHI: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday reduced key policy rate by 200 basis points to nine percent to cushion the impact of coronavirus shock on growth and employment.

    (more…)
  • Foreign exchange reserves increase to $17.295 billion

    Foreign exchange reserves increase to $17.295 billion

    KARACHI: Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves have increased by $307 million to $17.295 billion by week ended April 10, 2020.

    A week ago the foreign exchange reserves were at $16.988 billion, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) said on Thursday.

    The officials foreign exchange reserves of the central bank increased by $252 million to $10.974 billion by week ended April 10, 2020 as compared with $10.722 billion a week ago.

    Similarly, the foreign exchange reserves held by commercial banks increased by $55 million to $6.321 billion by week ended April 10, 2020 as compared with $6.266 billion a week ago.

  • Share market gains 87 points in range bound activity

    Share market gains 87 points in range bound activity

    KARACHI: The share market gained 87 points on Thursday after trading in range bound during the day.

    The benchmark KSE-100 index of Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) closed at 31,330 points as against 31,242 points showing an increase of 87 points.

    Analysts at Arif Habib Limited said that the market traded in a narrow range today between +205 points and -226 points, and closing the session +87 points.

    Yesterday’s PIB auction that resulted in normalization of yield curve and declining of yields gave good reasons for investors to come back to equities.

    However, weakening oil fundamentals kept the investors in limbo on whether to book profit or take new positions.

    Similar to yesterday’s performance, Fertilizer sector maintained the momentum with further support from Cement and E&P sectors.

    Banking sector, on the other hand, faced selling pressure, bearing the brunt from foreign investors in past couple of sessions.

    Cement sector managed to post some recovery today and maintained top position in trading volumes with 34.6 million shares, followed by Chemical (12.9 million) and Vanaspati (10.9 million).

    Among scrips, MLCF topped the volumes with 14.8 million shares, followed by UNITY (10.9 million) and HASCOL (7.2 million).

    Sectors contributing to the performance include E&P (+39 points), Tobacco (+31 points), Pharma (+25 points), Inv Banks (+23 points), Power (+16 points), Banks (-57 points) and Insurance (-12 points).

    Volumes declined from 185.6 million shares to 119.1 million shares (-36 percent DoD). Average traded value also declined by 36 percent to reach US$ 28.5 million as against US$ 44.8 million.

    Stocks that contributed significantly to the volumes include MLCF, UNITY, HASCOL, EPCL and PIOC, which formed 36 percent of total volumes.

    Stocks that contributed positively to the index include PAKT (+24 points), DAWH (24 points), OGDC (+18 points), FFC (+17 points) and COLG (+15 points). Stocks that contributed negatively include MCB (-23 points), HBL (-20 points), LUCK (-11 points), UBL (-11 points), and EFERT (-11 points).

  • Rupee gains 10 paisas on inflows

    Rupee gains 10 paisas on inflows

    KARACHI: The Pak Rupee gained 10 paisas against dollar on Thursday owing to inflows of export receipts and measures to facilitate home remittances.

    The rupee ended Rs166.88 to the dollar from previous day’s closing of Rs166.98 in interbank foreign exchange market.

    Currency dealers said that the rupee appreciated on inflows of export receipts during the day.

    Further, incentive scheme of State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) for promotion of home remittances also improved market sentiments.

    A day earlier, the SBP expanded incentive scheme for exchange companies for promoting home remittances through formal channels.

    The SBP previously on December 06, 2019 introduced the incentive scheme on which exchange companies were allowed market expenses reimbursement of Re. 1 per each incremental US dollar mobilized over 15 percent growth.

    The SBP in this regard decided that with immediate effect the existing incentive scheme for marketing of home remittances i.e. Re 1 against US Dollar 01 of remittance amount beyond 15 percent growth over last year may now be based on tiered growth i.e. Rs. 0.50 on 5 percent growth, Rs. 0.75 on 10 percent growth and Rs. 1.00 on 15 percent growth.

    Through another circular issued to authorized dealers in foreign exchange and microfinance banks, the SBP said that it has been decided with immediate effect that the prevailing rate of TT charges may be enhanced from SAR 10/- to SAR 20/- for transactions between USD 100-200.

    The SBP further said that the existing Incentive scheme for marketing of home remittances i.e. PKR 01 against USD 01 of remittance amount beyond 15 percent growth over last year may now be based on tiered growth i.e. Rs. 0.50 on 5 percent growth, Rs. 0.75 on 10 percent growth and Rs. 1.00 on 15 percent growth.

  • Why non-filers happy in paying high withholding tax rates, FPCCI asks FBR

    Why non-filers happy in paying high withholding tax rates, FPCCI asks FBR

    KARACHI: Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has expressed concerns over lower number of return filers and asked Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to identify reasons that why non-filers happy in paying higher rate of withholding tax.

    According to a statement on Thursday, the FPCCI has finalize proposals for upcoming budget 2020/2021.

    The proposals have been drafted keeping in view of the objectives of (i) Revamping Taxation System (ii) Documentation of Economy (iii) Employment generation through Industrialization (iv) Promoting a responsive and equitable Taxation System (v) Infrastructure Development (vi) Trickledown effect of the fiscal space to the grass root level etc., and would be submitted to the concerned quarters within fortnight”.

    This was stated by Mian Anjum Nisar, President, FPCCI and Zakaria Usman, Convener of the FPCCI Budget Advisory Council.

    Elaborating the methodology of the budget proposals exercise, they stated that the FPCCI with a consistent commitment to developing and promoting a modern, responsive and equitable taxation system, has formulated these proposals on the basis of impartial, unbiased and transparent manner after taking a painstaking lengthy process which involved incorporating feedback received on matters related to revenue and taxation throughout the year from our members located across the country and input obtained from our member trade bodies, stakeholders, tax practitioners, knowledgeable people etc., through invitation of proposals, organizing workshops and holding a series of Budget Advisory Council meetings wherein these proposals were discussed in detail and some contradictory proposals were re-examined and final proposals were redesigned in line with the best interest of the country.   

    They informed that the FPCCI Budgetary document consists of three Volumes – Vol-I discusses issues / solution of macroeconomic nature ; Vol-II contains policy issues relevant to Taxation (Sales Tax, FED, Income Tax and Customs) ; while Vol-III contains Industry Specific Proposals received from FPCCI members .

    Moreover, the FPCCI would also submit its proposals to meet the challenges being faced by the trade & industry due to outbreak of COVID-19 as its severe and adverse impacts on various aspects of Pakistan’s economy is quite discern which may lead to negative growth rate, deterioration in current and fiscal balance, disruption in supply chain, increased unemployment etc.

    The FPCCI Chief Mian Anjum Nisar added, “The Macro Economic proposals contains long term action plan to boost exports ; promotion of Branding ; Enhancing SMEs sector ; Monetary Policy ; Creating Employment Opportunities through industrialization ; Taxpayers Bill of Rights ; Independent Tax Judicial System etc”.

    Zakaria Usman, Convener of the Budget Advisory Council disclosed, “In Direct Taxes, it has proposed to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to reduce the tax rates to help increase competitive edge of indigenous products in both local and global markets; broadening of tax base; curtail parallel economy etc., as high tax rates provide incentives for tax evasion and corruption and results in high cost of doing business.

    At present the total numbers of NTN holders in Pakistan are over 4 million, however, the FBR has miserably failed to obtain return of income from such NTN holders and increase the number of active taxpayer during the last decade.

    They added that according to a study, 2.1 million Pakistanis (individuals) filed income tax returns in 2006-07 which shows that FBR during the last 14 years could not fetch much tax filers, despite prescribing higher withholding tax rates for non-filers”.

     “This underscores the need that FBR should conduct a study to find out what has gone wrong that even after penalizing the non-filers, they are happy to pay more by way of advance tax instead of filing returns”.

    He proposed that it is desirable that measures should be taken to facilitate to those, who are already existing taxpayers and contributing in the national tax pool in all manners, so that they become goodwill ambassador for FBR.

    “Resultantly, since many years, the registered taxpayers are less than 1 percent of the population of our country, which need to be enhanced”, he concluded.

  • Duty free import increases by 17pc despite phasing out exemptions

    Duty free import increases by 17pc despite phasing out exemptions

    KARACHI: Despite elimination of exemption and strengthening enforcement the duty free import surged by 17.1 percent during 2018/2019, according to official documents.

    The FBR in its report released this month said that the duty free imports increased by 17.1 percent to Rs2,445 billion during fiscal year 2018/2019 as compared with Rs2,087 billion in the preceding fiscal year.

    The documents revealed that goods under Chapter 27 of Customs Tariff were imported duty free worth Rs600 billion during fiscal year 2018/2019 as compared with Rs491 billion in the corresponding period of the preceding fiscal year.

    The import of products including Mineral fuels, mineral oils and products under this chapter has increased by 22.3 percent during the period under review.

    An amount of Rs317 billion has been allowed duty free for the import of boilers, machinery and mechanical during fiscal year 2018/2019, which is 12.5 percent higher than Rs282 billion in the same period of the preceding fiscal year.

    The customs authorities granted duty free import of around Rs189 billion for the clearance of organic chemical during fiscal year 2018/2019 as compared with Rs144.85 billion in the preceding fiscal year, showing growth of 30.5 percent.

    Despite lowering of tariff over the years, the customs duty is still one of the important sources of Federal Tax collection. The Dutiable Imports are the tax base for Customs Duty.

    The collection of customs duty stood at around Rs686 billion and has contributed around 28.8 percent in the Indirect Taxes and 17.9 percent in total taxes during the F.Y.: 2018-2019.

    It has increased by around 13 percent as compared to previous year.

    The target of customs duty was Rs. 735 billion during FY: 2018-2019 which was missed by 6.7 percent.

    Source: FBR

    Out of 15 major revenue spinners, 13 items of imports recorded positive growth during FY: 2018-19 mainly due to increased Imports. On the other hand, only automobile (Ch:87) and ceramic products recorded negative growths.

    The details of Customs Duty collection from major commodity groups (chapters) are presented in table below.

    Source: FBR