28/05/2025
The salient features of the **Income Tax Laws in Pakistan** (as per the **Income Tax Ordinance, 2001** and subsequent amendments) include:
# # # 1. **Progressive Tax System**
- Tax rates increase with higher income levels (graduated tax slabs for individuals).
- Different tax regimes for **salaried**, **non-salaried**, and **business individuals**.
# # # 2. **Tax Year & Filing Requirements**
- **Tax Year**: July 1 to June 30 (normal tax year).
- **Filing Deadline**: Typically **December 31** for individuals (unless extended by FBR).
- **Mandatory Filing**: Required if taxable income exceeds the minimum threshold.
# # # 3. **Income Categories & Tax Rates**
- **Salaried Individuals**: Taxed under progressive slabs (e.g., 0% to **35%**).
- **Business Income**: Taxed at **corporate rates** (up to **29%** for companies).
- **Capital Gains**: Different rates for **immovable property, stocks, and other assets**.
- **Withholding Taxes (WHT)**: Deducted at source on salaries, dividends, contracts, etc.
# # # 4. **Tax Credits & Deductions**
- **Allowable Deductions**:
- **Zakat** (if paid).
- **Charitable donations** (approved institutions).
- **Medical expenses** (for self & family).
- **Investment in shares, pensions, or insurance** (under certain limits).
- **Tax Credits**:
- **Foreign tax credits** (to avoid double taxation).
- **Tax rebates** for filers (e.g., **5% reduction** for timely filers).
# # # 5. **Withholding Tax Regime (Major Feature)**
- **Advance Tax Collection**: Deducted at source on:
- Salaries (by employers).
- Bank transactions (non-filers face higher rates).
- Property transactions, contracts, dividends, etc.
- **Minimum Tax**: For businesses (1% to 4% of turnover in some cases).
# # # 6. **Tax Exemptions & Concessions**
- **Agricultural Income**: Generally exempt (but provincial taxes may apply).
- **Tax-Free Salaries**: Certain allowances (e.g., conveyance, utilities) up to limits.
- **Exporters & Special Sectors**: Reduced rates or exemptions (e.g., IT sector, SEZs).
# # # 7. **Anti-Avoidance Measures**
- **Transfer Pricing Rules**: For related-party transactions.
- **Benami Transactions**: Prohibited (strict penalties).
- **FBR Audits**: Random or risk-based scrutiny of returns.
# # # 8. **Digital Compliance**
- **IRIS Portal**: Mandatory e-filing for most taxpayers.
- **ATL (Active Taxpayer List)**: Benefits for filers (lower WHT rates, etc.).
- **Track & Trace System**: For sectors like to***co, cement, etc.
# # # 9. **Penalties & Enforcement**
- **Late Filing**: Penalties up to **0.1% per day** of tax due.
- **Concealment**: Up to **25%** of evaded tax as penalty.
- **Non-Filers**: Higher WHT rates, travel bans, utility disconnections.
# # # 10. **International Taxation**
- **Double Taxation Treaties (DTTs)**: Pakistan has treaties with **50+ countries** to avoid dual taxation.
- **Foreign Assets Declaration**: Required for residents under **Foreign Income Rules**.
# # # Key Authorities:
- **Federal Board of Revenue (FBR)**: Administers tax laws.
- **Appellate Tribunals & Courts**: For dispute resolution.