Tag: FBR

FBR, Pakistan’s national tax collecting agency, plays a crucial role in the country’s economy. Pakistan Revenue is committed to providing readers with the latest updates and developments regarding FBR activities.

  • Tax rates on payments for goods, services during 2022-2023

    Tax rates on payments for goods, services during 2022-2023

    Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued latest withholding tax rates on payments to goods, services and contracts during the year 2022-2023.

    The FBR issued the withholding tax card for tax year 2023 (July 01, 2022 to June 30, 2023) after amending the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 through changes brought through Finance Act, 2022.

    Following is the text of Section 153 related to Payments to goods, services and cotracts and rates of withholding tax (in bold):

    Section 153. Payments for goods, services and contracts.—

    (1) Every prescribed person making a payment in full or part including a payment by way of advance to a resident person —

    (a) for the sale of goods including toll manufacturing, except where payment is less than seventy-five thousand Rupees in aggregate, during a financial year;

    The withholding tax rate under Section 153(1)(a) in case of sales of rice, cotton seed or edible oils is 1.5 per cent for return filers and 3 per cent for persons not on the Active Taxpayers List (ATL).

    The withholding tax rate under Section 153(1)(a) in case of sales of goods by a company, is 4 per cent for return filers and 8 per cent for persons not on the Active Taxpayers List (ATL).

    The withholding tax rate under Section 153(1)(a) in case of sales of goods by any other, is 4.5 per cent for return filers and 9 per cent for persons not on the Active Taxpayers List (ATL).

    (b) for the rendering of or providing of services except where payment is less than thirty thousand Rupees in aggregate, during a financial year;

    The withholding tax rates under Section 153(1)(b) in case of certain service is 3 per cent and 6 per cent for persons not on the ATL.

    The withholding tax rates under Section 153(1)(b) for services other than mentioned above in case of company, is 8 per cent and 16 per cent for persons not on the ATL.

    The withholding tax rates under Section 153(1)(b) for services other than mentioned above in any other case, is 10 per cent and 20 per cent for persons not on the ATL.

    The withholding tax rates under Section 153(1)(b) in respect of persons making payments to electronic and print media for advertising services, is 1.5 per cent and 3 per cent for persons not on the ATL.

    (c) on the execution of a contract, including contract signed by a sportsperson but not including a contract for the sale of goods

    or the rendering of or providing services, shall, at the time of making the payment, deduct tax from the gross amount payable (including sales tax, if any) at the rate specified in Division III of Part III of the First Schedule;

    Provided that where the recipient of the payment under clause (b) receives the payment through an agent or any other third person and the agent or, as the case may be, the third person retains service charges or fee, by whatever name called, from the payment remitted to the recipient, the agent or the third person shall be treated to have been paid the service charges or fee by the recipient and the recipient shall collect tax along with the payment received.

    The rate of withholding tax under Section 153(1)(c) in case of sportsperson is 10 per cent for income tax return filer and 20 per cent for persons not on ATL.

    The rate of withholding tax under Section 153(1)(c) for a company is 6.5 per cent for income tax return filer and 13 per cent for persons not on ATL.

    The rate of withholding tax under Section 153(1)(c) any other case is 7 per cent for income tax return filer and 14 per cent for persons not on ATL.

    (2) Every exporter or an export house making a payment in full or part including a payment by way of advance to a resident person or permanent establishment in Pakistan of a non-resident person for rendering of or providing services of stitching, dying, printing, embroidery, washing, sizing and weaving, shall at the time of making the payment, deduct tax from the gross amount payable at the rate specified in Division IV of Part III of the First Schedule.

    The withholding tax rate under Section 153(2) is one per cent for income tax return filers and 2 per cent for persons not on the ATL.

    (3) The tax deductible under sub-section (1) and under sub-section (2) of this section, on the income of a resident person or, shall be minimum tax.

    Provided that,—

    (a) tax deducted under clause (a) of sub-section (1) shall not be minimum tax where payments are received on sale or supply of goods, by a, —

    (i) company being a manufacturer of such goods; or

    (ii) public company listed on a registered stock exchange in Pakistan;

    (c) tax deducted under clause (c) of sub-section (1) shall be adjustable if payments are received by a public company listed on a registered stock exchange in Pakistan, on account of execution of contracts.

    “Explanation.— For the removal of doubt, it is explained that the income of resident person referred to in sub-section (3) means the amount on which tax is deductible under sub-section (1) or (2) of this section.

    (4) The Commissioner may, on application made by the recipient of a payment referred to in sub-section (1) and after making such inquiry as the Commissioner thinks fit, may allow in cases where tax deductible under sub-section (1) is not minimum, by an order in writing, any person to make the payment,—

    (a) without deduction of tax; or

    (b) deduction of tax at a reduced rate;

    Provided that the Commissioner shall issue certificate for payment under clause (a) of sub-section (1) without deduction of tax within fifteen days of filing of application to a company if advance tax liability has been discharged:

    Provided further that the Commissioner shall be deemed to have issued the exemption certificate upon the expiry of fifteen days to the aforesaid company and the certificate shall be automatically processed and issued by Iris:

    Provided also that the Commissioner may modify or cancel the certificate issued automatically by Iris on the basis of reasons to be recorded in writing after providing an opportunity of being heard.

    (5) Sub-section (1) shall not apply to —

    (a) a sale of goods where the sale is made by the importer of the goods and tax under section 148 in respect of such goods has been paid and the goods are sold in the same condition as they were when imported;

    (c) a refund of any security deposit;

    (d) a payment made by the Federal Government, a Provincial Government or a Local Government to a contractor for

    construction materials supplied to the contractor by the said Government or the authority;

    (f) the purchase of an asset under a lease and buy back agreement by a modaraba, leasing company, banking company or financial institution; or

    (g) any payment for securitization of receivables “or issuance of sukuks” by a Special Purpose Vehicle to the Originator.

    (6) Where any tax is deducted by a person making a payment for a Special Purpose Vehicle, on behalf of the Originator, the tax is credited to the Originator.

    (7) In this section, —

    (i) “prescribed person” means—

    (a) the Federal Government;

    (b) a company;

    (c) an association of persons constituted by, or under law;

    (d) a non-profit organization;

    (e) a foreign contractor or consultant;

    (f) a consortium or joint venture;

    (g) an exporter or an export house for the purpose of sub-section (2);

    (h) an association of persons, having turnover of one hundred million rupees or above in any of the preceding tax years;

    (i) an individual, having turnover of one hundred million rupees or above in any of the preceding tax years;

    (j) a person registered under the Sales Tax Act, 1990 having turnover of one hundred million rupees or more in any of the preceding tax years; or

    (k) a person deriving income from the business of construction and sale of residential, commercial or other buildings (builder); or

    (l) a person deriving income from the business of development and sale of residential, commercial or other plots (developer).

    (ii) “services” includes the services of accountants, architects, dentists, doctors, engineers, interior decorators and lawyers, otherwise than as an employee;

    (iii) “sale of goods” includes a sale of goods for cash or on credit, whether under written contract or not;

    (iv) “manufacturer” means a person who is engaged in production or manufacturing of goods, which includes—

    (a) any process in which an article singly or in combination with other articles, material, components, is either converted into another distinct article or product is so changed, transferred, or reshaped that it becomes capable of being put to use differently or distinctly; or

    (b) a process of assembling, mixing, cutting or preparation of goods in any other manner; and

    (v) “turnover” means—

    (a) the gross sales or gross receipts, inclusive of sales tax and federal excise duty or any trade discounts shown on invoices, or bills, derived from the sale of goods;

    (b) the gross fees for the rendering of services for giving benefits including commissions;

    (c) the gross receipts from the execution of contracts; and

    (d) the company’s share of the amounts stated above of any association of persons of which the company is a member.

    READ MORE: Tax rates on payments to non-residents during 2022-2023

    READ MORE: Up to 70% income tax imposed on dividends for year 2022-2023

    READ MORE: FBR updates salary tax card for year 2022-2023

    READ MORE: FBR issues withholding tax rates on imports for tax year 2022-2023

    READ MORE: Tax rates on profit from bank deposits during year 2022/2023

  • Updated active taxpayers list grows to 3.59 million

    Updated active taxpayers list grows to 3.59 million

    ISLAMABAD: An updated list issued by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Monday revealed that the number of active taxpayers has grown to 3.59 million.

    According to the latest Active Taxpayers List (ATL) the total number surged to 3,596,092 by October 16, 2022 for tax year 2021.

    READ MORE: FBR gets 3.38 million active taxpayers by August 28, 2022

    The ATL will also include names of those taxpayers who will file their income tax returns for the tax year 2021 in coming days till the ATL remained applicable.

    The FBR issues ATL weekly basis on Monday to update the names of persons who filed their income tax returns during the week.

    ATL provides taxpayers to get concession in payment of lower withholding tax rates or amount. The FBR issues ATL for the new tax year on the first day of March every year. Therefore, the existing ATL will prevail till February 28, 2023.

    READ MORE: Tax rates on payments to non-residents during 2022-2023

    According to the FBR the ATL is a central record of online Income Tax Return filers for the previous Tax Year.

    It further says that ATL is published every financial year on the 1st March and is valid up to the last day of February of the next financial year. For example, Active Taxpayer List for Tax year 2020 was published on 1st March 2021 and will be valid till 28th February 2022. Similarly, Active Taxpayer List for Tax year 2021 will be published on 1st March 2022 and will be valid till 28th February 2023.

    The ATL is updated on every Monday on the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) website.

    The FBR said that a person’s name will be part of the current ATL, if the Tax Return filed pertains to the Tax year of the relevant ATL. For example, to be part of the ATL published on 1st March 2021, a person must have filed a Tax return for the Tax year 2020. Similarly, to be a part of the ATL published on 1st March 2022, a person must have filed a Tax Return for the Tax year 2021.

    READ MORE: Preventing currency smuggling top priority: FBR Chairman

    Restriction on including a person’s name on ATL, if the person has not filed Tax Return by the due date specified by Income Tax authorities was introduced through Finance Act, 2018. For example, to be part of the ATL published on 1st March 2022, a person must file a Tax Return by the specified due date for the Tax year 2021.

    However, through Finance Act, 2019 a person’s name can be part of ATL, even if the person has filed Tax Return after the due date specified by Income Tax authorities.

    Furthermore, a surcharge for placement on ATL after due date of filing of Tax Return will be charged as under:

    Company: Rs20,000

    Association of Persons: Rs10,000

    Individuals: Rs1,000

    READ MORE: FBR collects Rs459 billion as sales tax on POL products in TY 2022

    A company or an AOP shall be included in the ATL, whose return is not to be filed due to incorporation or formation after 30th day of June relevant to the Tax year pertaining to the ATL.

    Joint account holders as an entity shall be deemed to be part of ATL if any of the persons in the joint account have met the criteria of being included in the ATL.

    Bank account held in the name of a minor shall be considered part of ATL if the parents, guardians of the minor or any person who has deposited money in minor’s account are deemed to have met the criteria of being included in the ATL.

  • Tax rates on payments to non-residents during 2022-2023

    Tax rates on payments to non-residents during 2022-2023

    The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has released the updated withholding tax card for the tax year 2023, applicable from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023. The revised rates specifically outline the tax obligations on payments to non-residents, following amendments introduced through the Finance Act, 2022, to the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.

    (more…)
  • Preventing currency smuggling top priority: FBR Chairman

    Preventing currency smuggling top priority: FBR Chairman

    ISLAMABAD: Asim Ahmad, Chairman, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has said that prevention of currency smuggling is top priority of Pakistan Customs.

    The FBR chairman identified top priority arrears of the government to combat smuggling of currency, vehicles, and goods. Besides, prevention of mis-invoicing was also one of the top priorities, he added.

    READ MORE: FBR collects Rs459 billion as sales tax on POL products in TY 2022

    Asim Ahmad, Chairman, addressed the inaugural session of the quarterly coordination and performance review conference held recently of the Regional Directors of the Directorate General of Intelligence & Investigation-Customs; an important arm of the FBR.

    The Chairman made it very clear that the Directorate General, I&I-Customs, had the capacity and competence to come up to the expectations with respect to each of these priority areas.

    READ MORE: WHT share in direct taxes jumps to 67% despite omitting provisions

    He assured the Director General, Faiz Ahmad Chadhar, that all possible resources required to achieve the desired results will be provided by FBR.

    During the 12 hours long conference, each Regional Director gave a detailed presentation on the performance in the first quarter of FY 2022-23.

    It covered major challenges hindering achievement of organizational goals, methods of information gathering, gaps in human resource and logistics as well as suggestions for further improvement.

    READ MORE: Pakistan amends baggage rules; now $1,000 require declaration

    In his closing remarks, the Director General directed the Regional Directors to focus on mis-invoicing not only in imports but also in exports, mis-use of exemption regimes, variation in pattern of transit trade viz a viz national imports and improving vigil along the borders.

    He underscored the importance of improved liaison of the officers of Directorate General of I&I-Customs with national law enforcement agencies including Police, Rangers, FC, ANF, Provincial Excise Departments, other national intelligence agencies, and District Administration.

    READ MORE: PTBA raises objections to amendments proposed by FBR

    He also highlighted the need of coordination with the Chambers of Commerce and other trade bodies to have first-hand knowledge about their issues and grievances.

    The Director General further emphasized that meeting the targets and expectations of FBR and the Federal Government with respect to smuggling, money laundering, and mis-invoicing will lead to creation of an enabling environment in the country for economic growth and investment.

  • FBR collects Rs459 billion as sales tax on POL products in TY 2022

    FBR collects Rs459 billion as sales tax on POL products in TY 2022

    The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has reported a substantial growth in sales tax collection on the import of Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants (POL) products during the tax year 2022, reaching an impressive Rs459 billion.

    (more…)
  • FBR announces prize winners of 10th POS balloting

    FBR announces prize winners of 10th POS balloting

    ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Saturday announced prize winners of 10th balloting of invoices issued by point of sales (POS) of big retailers.

    According to the FBR, the bumper prize of Rs1,000,000 has been awarded to Muhammad Imran on the invoice issued by Super Drugs.

    READ MORE: FTO directs stop unlawful recovery from taxpayers’ bank accounts

    The FBR announced winners of two second prizes of Rs500,000 each to Khawaja Fahd Naveed on the invoice issued by Bread and Beyond and Muhammad Yasir Ehsan on the invoice issued by Clinix.

    Similarly, the four winners of third prize amounting Rs250,000 each have been awarded to Faiz Ahmed, Shahiryar khalid, Muhammad Sufyan and Mohsin Hassan.

    The FBR conducts computerized balloting of invoices issued by Tier-1 retailers on every 15th day of a month. This was ninth draw as it was started in January 15, 2022.

    READ MORE: FBR collects Rs196 billion as income tax from salaried class

    The FBR encouraged people to actively participate in the balloting to win prizes after buying from POS integrated retailers.

    The FBR previously issued a procedure for participating in the prize scheme.

    The revenue body said that the customers of the integrated tier-1 retailers, whose names and CNICs are notified through random computerized draw shall be entitled to prizes in respect of their purchases from the integrated tier-1 retailers.

    The customers shall verify the electronically generated invoice of integrated retailers either through the “tax asaan” application or by sending SMS to number 9966.

    READ MORE: WHT share in direct taxes jumps to 67% despite omitting provisions

    The application shall notify the customer regarding the status of the invoice either as “verified” or “unverified”.

    In case of a verified invoice, the customer shall furnish one time, the following detail to the online system, namely:- Name; CNIC; and Mobile number.

    Names and CNICs of the customers shall be included in the random computerized draw upon fulfillment of the requirement.

    In case of an unverified invoice, the customer shall report the same through the system. The Board shall conduct inquiry and take appropriate action under the relevant provisions of law.

    The computerized draw for the prizes shall be held in the first week of every month at the FBR Headquarters and the invoices of the immediately preceding month shall be entered in the draw.

    Draw winners shall be required to perform biometric verification, at the nearest e-sahulat facility of NADRA and submit a scanned copy on the “tax assan” application. After successful biometric verification, winners shall be required to provide their IBAN through a “tax asaan” application.

    The total prize money and the denomination of the prizes shall be decided on month to month basis by the Board.

  • FTO directs stop unlawful recovery from taxpayers’ bank accounts

    FTO directs stop unlawful recovery from taxpayers’ bank accounts

    Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has directed the tax authorities to stop unlawful recovery from bank accounts of taxpayers.

    The FTO issued the order dated September 30, 2022 in a complaint against non-issuance of refund amounting to Rs23.25 million for tax year 2016 along with compensation.

    READ MORE: FTO investigates tax collection through electricity bills

    According to the complainant, which is an Association of Person (AOP), filed return for tax year 2016. Later on, a tax office of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), amended the assessment order by making an addition of Rs1,754 million and rs164.21 million.

    Being aggrieved, the complainant filed appeal before the Commissioner (Appeals), Gujranwala who modified the order and annulled the addition of Rs164 million, with the directions that the unit office for further necessary verification and confirmed the addition of Rs1,754 million.

    READ MORE: President Alvi rejects FBR plea in maladministration cases

    The tax office, recovered an amount of Rs23.25 million through attachment of bank accounts on the very next day without passing appeal effect order. Statedly, recovery was also made from bank accounts of some un-concerned persons.

    The complainant filed appeal before appellate tribunal Lahore, who order granted stay order with certain observations.

    The FTO in its findings revealed that the recovery of Rs23.25 million had been made from the complainant AOP and certain other unconcerned whereas no demand was in the field at the time of making such recovery. “This act of department tantamount to maladministration.”

    READ MORE: FTO directs customs to clear pending auctions

    It is also found that recovery from the bank accounts of unconcerned person is also an act which tantamount to maladministration.

    The FTO in its recommendations to the FBR to ensure that an internal fact finding is conducted to see as who had recovered the amounts from bank account without giving appeal effect and without having legally recoverable tax demand on record.

    READ MORE: KTBA passes resolution against FTO Asif Jah

    FBR has been asked to issue clear directions to all field formations: forestalling unlawful recovery in the absence of any legally recoverable tax demand; and recovery from the accounts of unconcerned persons/entities.

  • FBR collects Rs196 billion as income tax from salaried class

    FBR collects Rs196 billion as income tax from salaried class

    ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has collected a huge amount of Rs196.25 billion as income tax from salaried class during tax year 2022.

    A report issued by the FBR revealed that the collection of tax on salaried income recorded significant growth of 29 per cent, which compared with the collection of Rs151.84 billion in the preceding tax year.

    READ MORE: WHT share in direct taxes jumps to 67% despite omitting provisions

    Salaried tax is major revenue spinner in the collection of withholding tax. The collection of income tax on salaried income has been ranked third in the table of top revenue spinner under the withholding taxes.

    The collection of withholding taxes from contracts and imports are on the first two slots. The FBR collected Rs341.42 billion with growth of 25.5 per cent from contracts and Rs281.61 billion with a growth of 29 per cent from imports during tax year 2022.

    READ MORE: Pakistan amends baggage rules; now $1,000 require declaration

    The recent revision in tax slabs in for the salaried class has been aimed to boost the revenue collection during the current fiscal year 2022/2023.

    The FBR said that target for 2022-2023 is challenging given the fact that government is focusing on controlling the current account deficit and rising inflation which would result in import contraction and slowdown in the overall GDP growth.

    READ MORE: PTBA raises objections to amendments proposed by FBR

    Nonetheless, FBR is confident that its team has the ability and the resolve to accomplish this gigantic task as an upward revised target has already been achieved for the financial year ended on June 30, 2022.

    To achieve the target several efforts are being made at policy as well as operational levels.

    READ MORE: Pakistan’s tax to GDP ratio improves to 9.2 per cent in FY22: FBR

    “There is focus on enhanced use of technology and a policy shift towards taxing the high-income groups through direct taxation such as the imposition of Super Tax, Poverty Alleviation Tax, revision of individual tax slabs including salaried class, increase in FED on international air travel, increased tax on luxury motor vehicles etc.,” the FBR added.

    FOLLOWING IS THE TAX CARD FOR SALARIED PERSONS FOR TAX YEAR 2022-2023

    Taxable IncomeRate of Tax
    Up to Rs600,0000%
    Rs600,001 –1,200,0002.5% of amount exceeding Rs600,000
    Rs1,200,001 –2,400,000Rs15,000 + 12.5% of amount exceeding Rs1,200,000
    Rs2,400,001 –3,600,000Rs165,000 + 20% of amount exceeding Rs2,400,000
    Rs3,600,001 –6,000,000Rs405,000 + 25% of amount exceeding Rs3,600,000
    Rs6,000,001 –12,000,000Rs1,005,000 + 32.5% of amount exceeding Rs6,000,000
    Amount exceeding Rs12,000,000Rs2,955,000 + 35% of amount exceeding Rs12,000,000

    The rate of tax in the table above are applicable where the income of an individual chargeable under the head ‘salary’ exceeds seventy-five per cent of his/her taxable income.

  • WHT share in direct taxes jumps to 67% despite omitting provisions

    WHT share in direct taxes jumps to 67% despite omitting provisions

    ISLAMABAD: Share of withholding tax (WHT) collection in total collection of direct taxes has increased to 67 during Tax Year 2022 despite elimination of many provisions related to the withholding taxes.

    (more…)
  • Pakistan amends baggage rules; now $1,000 require declaration

    Pakistan amends baggage rules; now $1,000 require declaration

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has amended baggage rules to make currency declaration of an amount $1,000 while taking out of the country to Afghanistan.

    However, new slabs of currency declaration on the basis of age have also been announced.

    The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) issued SRO 1864(I)/2022 dated October 10, 2022 to make changes in the Baggage Rules, 2006.

    READ MORE: PTBA raises objections to amendments proposed by FBR

    As per the new changes to the baggage rules, the outbound passenger, for all countries except Afghanistan, without prejudice to his entitlement of taking out of Pakistan $1,000 up to the age of 5 years, $5,000 above 5 years, up to 18 years and $10,000 above the age of 18 years, while taking out of Pakistan foreign currency exceeding $5,000 or equivalent, or any other prohibited or restricted item, shall file a declaration before or on departure, electronically in the WeBOC or pass track or manually at the airport.

    READ MORE: Pakistan’s tax to GDP ratio improves to 9.2 per cent in FY22: FBR

    The FBR said that the persons travelling to Afghanistan, while having entitlement of $1,000, shall file a declaration of currency in their possession.

    The incoming passenger when in possession of foreign currency exceeding $10,000 or equivalent, or any other prohibited or restricted item, shall also file a declaration.

    READ MORE: Pakistan customs seals over 1,600 illegal petrol pumps during FY22

    The FBR said that the declaration is also must for passengers carrying: Prohibited or restricted goods such as arms & ammunitions, narcotics, psychotropic substances or satellite phones etc; and gold and precious metals, jewelry, precious or semi-precious stones.

    The declaration of foreign currency in US $/ Bearer Negotiable Instrument or equivalent is mandatory for outbound passengers to all countries except Afghanistan, taking out amount exceeding $5,000 or equivalent;

    READ MORE: FBR directs IR offices to avoid recovery in pending appeals

    For passengers traveling to Afghanistan, taking out cash foreign currencies US $ or equivalent; and Incoming passengers bringing into Pakistan amount exceeding $ 10,000 or equivalent.