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Payments to electronic and print media for advertising services are taxed at just 1.5% for Active Taxpayers, compared to 3% for Non-Filers. • Active Filers importing CKD kits for Electric Vehicles pay a minimal 1% tax, whereas Non-Filers pay double at 2%. • The sale of petroleum products is taxed at 12% for Filers and exactly double that at 24% for Non-Filers. • Companies generating rental income from immovable property pay a 15% tax if they are Active Filers, but face a 30% rate as Non-Filers. • Importing pharmaceutical products carries an 8% tax for Non-Filers, which is exactly double the 4% rate applied to Active Taxpayers. • Purchasing a 1601cc to 1800cc vehicle will cost Non-Filers a 9% tax, which is three times the 3% rate given to Active Filers. • Dividends from Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and general companies cost Active Filers 15% in tax, but Non-Filers lose a massive 30%. • Winning a prize bond or crossword puzzle means you lose 15% to taxes as an Active Filer, but a massive 30% if you are a Non-Filer. • If you receive dividends from Independent Power Purchasers (IPPs), Filers pay a 7.5% tax while Non-Filers surrender 15%. • The withholding tax on banking and financial institution profits is set at 20% for those on the Active Taxpayers’ List, but jumps to 40% for those off the list. • Winning a raffle, lottery, or sales promotion prize costs Non-Filers a whopping 40% in tax, compared to 20% for Filers. • Cash withdrawals by a person whose name does not appear on the Active Taxpayers’ List are hit with an automatic 0.8% advance tax. • Registering a 1000cc motor vehicle costs Filers just 1% in tax, while Non-Filers are penalized with a 3% tax. • Capital gains arising on the disposal of certain debt securities are taxed at 15% for Filers, but double to 30% for Non-Filers. • Providing IT and IT-enabled services costs Active Taxpayers just 4% in withholding tax, while Non-Filers must pay 8%. • Buyers of 1301cc to 1600cc cars pay a 2% advance tax if they are Filers, but Non-Filers pay exactly triple at 6%. • Payments made to non-resident sportspersons incur a 15% tax if they are on the ATL, and a massive 30% if they are non-ATL. • Buying a high-end 2501cc to 3000cc vehicle leaves Filers with a 9% tax bill, but absolutely punishes Non-Filers with a massive 27% tax rate. • Commercial importers bringing in Part-III items are hit with a 12% tax rate if they are Non-Filers, compared to only 6% for Active Filers. • Salaries under Rs. 600,000 are completely tax-free, maintaining a 0% rate regardless of your taxpayer status. • Commercial importers of Part-II goods face a 3.5% withholding tax if they are Filers, but the rate doubles to 7% for Non-Filers. • Pensions under 10 million rupees remain 100% tax-exempt for everyone, no matter what your filing status is. • Selling rice, cotton seed, or edible oils comes with a low 1.5% tax for Filers, but a 3% tax for Non-Filers. • Registering a 2001cc to 2500cc luxury vehicle incurs a 7% tax for Active Filers, but a staggering 21% tax for Non-Filers. • Importing basic goods from Part-I of the Twelfth Schedule costs Active Taxpayers just 1% in tax, while Non-Filers have to pay 2%. • Profits on debt from mutual funds deriving 50% or more income from debt carry a huge 50% tax for Non-Filers, compared to 25% for Filers. • Payments to electronic and print media for advertising services are taxed at just 1.5% for Active Taxpayers, compared to 3% for Non-Filers. • Active Filers importing CKD kits for Electric Vehicles pay a minimal 1% tax, whereas Non-Filers pay double at 2%. • The sale of petroleum products is taxed at 12% for Filers and exactly double that at 24% for Non-Filers. • Companies generating rental income from immovable property pay a 15% tax if they are Active Filers, but face a 30% rate as Non-Filers. • Importing pharmaceutical products carries an 8% tax for Non-Filers, which is exactly double the 4% rate applied to Active Taxpayers. • Purchasing a 1601cc to 1800cc vehicle will cost Non-Filers a 9% tax, which is three times the 3% rate given to Active Filers. • Dividends from Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and general companies cost Active Filers 15% in tax, but Non-Filers lose a massive 30%. • Winning a prize bond or crossword puzzle means you lose 15% to taxes as an Active Filer, but a massive 30% if you are a Non-Filer. • If you receive dividends from Independent Power Purchasers (IPPs), Filers pay a 7.5% tax while Non-Filers surrender 15%. • The withholding tax on banking and financial institution profits is set at 20% for those on the Active Taxpayers’ List, but jumps to 40% for those off the list. • Winning a raffle, lottery, or sales promotion prize costs Non-Filers a whopping 40% in tax, compared to 20% for Filers. • Cash withdrawals by a person whose name does not appear on the Active Taxpayers’ List are hit with an automatic 0.8% advance tax. • Registering a 1000cc motor vehicle costs Filers just 1% in tax, while Non-Filers are penalized with a 3% tax. • Capital gains arising on the disposal of certain debt securities are taxed at 15% for Filers, but double to 30% for Non-Filers. • Providing IT and IT-enabled services costs Active Taxpayers just 4% in withholding tax, while Non-Filers must pay 8%. • Buyers of 1301cc to 1600cc cars pay a 2% advance tax if they are Filers, but Non-Filers pay exactly triple at 6%. • Payments made to non-resident sportspersons incur a 15% tax if they are on the ATL, and a massive 30% if they are non-ATL. • Buying a high-end 2501cc to 3000cc vehicle leaves Filers with a 9% tax bill, but absolutely punishes Non-Filers with a massive 27% tax rate. • Commercial importers bringing in Part-III items are hit with a 12% tax rate if they are Non-Filers, compared to only 6% for Active Filers. • Salaries under Rs. 600,000 are completely tax-free, maintaining a 0% rate regardless of your taxpayer status. • Commercial importers of Part-II goods face a 3.5% withholding tax if they are Filers, but the rate doubles to 7% for Non-Filers. • Pensions under 10 million rupees remain 100% tax-exempt for everyone, no matter what your filing status is. • Selling rice, cotton seed, or edible oils comes with a low 1.5% tax for Filers, but a 3% tax for Non-Filers. • Registering a 2001cc to 2500cc luxury vehicle incurs a 7% tax for Active Filers, but a staggering 21% tax for Non-Filers. • Importing basic goods from Part-I of the Twelfth Schedule costs Active Taxpayers just 1% in tax, while Non-Filers have to pay 2%. • Profits on debt from mutual funds deriving 50% or more income from debt carry a huge 50% tax for Non-Filers, compared to 25% for Filers. •

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Winning a raffle, lottery, or sales promotion prize costs Non-Filers a whopping 40% in tax, compared to 20% for Filers. • The withholding tax on banking and financial institution profits is set at 20% for those on the Active Taxpayers’ List, but jumps to 40% for those off the list. • If you receive dividends from Independent Power Purchasers (IPPs), Filers pay a 7.5% tax while Non-Filers surrender 15%. • Selling rice, cotton seed, or edible oils comes with a low 1.5% tax for Filers, but a 3% tax for Non-Filers. • Payments to electronic and print media for advertising services are taxed at just 1.5% for Active Taxpayers, compared to 3% for Non-Filers. • Buyers of 1301cc to 1600cc cars pay a 2% advance tax if they are Filers, but Non-Filers pay exactly triple at 6%. • Salaries under Rs. 600,000 are completely tax-free, maintaining a 0% rate regardless of your taxpayer status. • Registering a 1000cc motor vehicle costs Filers just 1% in tax, while Non-Filers are penalized with a 3% tax. • Capital gains arising on the disposal of certain debt securities are taxed at 15% for Filers, but double to 30% for Non-Filers. • Active Filers importing CKD kits for Electric Vehicles pay a minimal 1% tax, whereas Non-Filers pay double at 2%. • Commercial importers bringing in Part-III items are hit with a 12% tax rate if they are Non-Filers, compared to only 6% for Active Filers. • Profits on debt from mutual funds deriving 50% or more income from debt carry a huge 50% tax for Non-Filers, compared to 25% for Filers. • Buying a high-end 2501cc to 3000cc vehicle leaves Filers with a 9% tax bill, but absolutely punishes Non-Filers with a massive 27% tax rate. • Companies generating rental income from immovable property pay a 15% tax if they are Active Filers, but face a 30% rate as Non-Filers. • Importing basic goods from Part-I of the Twelfth Schedule costs Active Taxpayers just 1% in tax, while Non-Filers have to pay 2%. • The sale of petroleum products is taxed at 12% for Filers and exactly double that at 24% for Non-Filers. • Importing pharmaceutical products carries an 8% tax for Non-Filers, which is exactly double the 4% rate applied to Active Taxpayers. • Commercial importers of Part-II goods face a 3.5% withholding tax if they are Filers, but the rate doubles to 7% for Non-Filers. • Purchasing a 1601cc to 1800cc vehicle will cost Non-Filers a 9% tax, which is three times the 3% rate given to Active Filers. • Payments made to non-resident sportspersons incur a 15% tax if they are on the ATL, and a massive 30% if they are non-ATL. • Providing IT and IT-enabled services costs Active Taxpayers just 4% in withholding tax, while Non-Filers must pay 8%. • Cash withdrawals by a person whose name does not appear on the Active Taxpayers’ List are hit with an automatic 0.8% advance tax. • Registering a 2001cc to 2500cc luxury vehicle incurs a 7% tax for Active Filers, but a staggering 21% tax for Non-Filers. • Pensions under 10 million rupees remain 100% tax-exempt for everyone, no matter what your filing status is. • Dividends from Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and general companies cost Active Filers 15% in tax, but Non-Filers lose a massive 30%. • Winning a prize bond or crossword puzzle means you lose 15% to taxes as an Active Filer, but a massive 30% if you are a Non-Filer. • Winning a raffle, lottery, or sales promotion prize costs Non-Filers a whopping 40% in tax, compared to 20% for Filers. • The withholding tax on banking and financial institution profits is set at 20% for those on the Active Taxpayers’ List, but jumps to 40% for those off the list. • If you receive dividends from Independent Power Purchasers (IPPs), Filers pay a 7.5% tax while Non-Filers surrender 15%. • Selling rice, cotton seed, or edible oils comes with a low 1.5% tax for Filers, but a 3% tax for Non-Filers. • Payments to electronic and print media for advertising services are taxed at just 1.5% for Active Taxpayers, compared to 3% for Non-Filers. • Buyers of 1301cc to 1600cc cars pay a 2% advance tax if they are Filers, but Non-Filers pay exactly triple at 6%. • Salaries under Rs. 600,000 are completely tax-free, maintaining a 0% rate regardless of your taxpayer status. • Registering a 1000cc motor vehicle costs Filers just 1% in tax, while Non-Filers are penalized with a 3% tax. • Capital gains arising on the disposal of certain debt securities are taxed at 15% for Filers, but double to 30% for Non-Filers. • Active Filers importing CKD kits for Electric Vehicles pay a minimal 1% tax, whereas Non-Filers pay double at 2%. • Commercial importers bringing in Part-III items are hit with a 12% tax rate if they are Non-Filers, compared to only 6% for Active Filers. • Profits on debt from mutual funds deriving 50% or more income from debt carry a huge 50% tax for Non-Filers, compared to 25% for Filers. • Buying a high-end 2501cc to 3000cc vehicle leaves Filers with a 9% tax bill, but absolutely punishes Non-Filers with a massive 27% tax rate. • Companies generating rental income from immovable property pay a 15% tax if they are Active Filers, but face a 30% rate as Non-Filers. • Importing basic goods from Part-I of the Twelfth Schedule costs Active Taxpayers just 1% in tax, while Non-Filers have to pay 2%. • The sale of petroleum products is taxed at 12% for Filers and exactly double that at 24% for Non-Filers. • Importing pharmaceutical products carries an 8% tax for Non-Filers, which is exactly double the 4% rate applied to Active Taxpayers. • Commercial importers of Part-II goods face a 3.5% withholding tax if they are Filers, but the rate doubles to 7% for Non-Filers. • Purchasing a 1601cc to 1800cc vehicle will cost Non-Filers a 9% tax, which is three times the 3% rate given to Active Filers. • Payments made to non-resident sportspersons incur a 15% tax if they are on the ATL, and a massive 30% if they are non-ATL. • Providing IT and IT-enabled services costs Active Taxpayers just 4% in withholding tax, while Non-Filers must pay 8%. • Cash withdrawals by a person whose name does not appear on the Active Taxpayers’ List are hit with an automatic 0.8% advance tax. • Registering a 2001cc to 2500cc luxury vehicle incurs a 7% tax for Active Filers, but a staggering 21% tax for Non-Filers. • Pensions under 10 million rupees remain 100% tax-exempt for everyone, no matter what your filing status is. • Dividends from Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and general companies cost Active Filers 15% in tax, but Non-Filers lose a massive 30%. • Winning a prize bond or crossword puzzle means you lose 15% to taxes as an Active Filer, but a massive 30% if you are a Non-Filer. •

Employee Training and Facilities Deductions in Pakistan

Section 36 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, deals with income from long-term contracts in Pakistan. It introduces the percentage of completion method, ensuring revenue and expenses are recognized based on project progress rather than lump-sum completion. This approach provides smoother income flow, accurate reporting, and better financial management, though it requires precise cost estimation and careful documentation.

Quratul Ain
January 21, 2024
Tax Savvy

In today’s competitive business environment, human capital is the cornerstone of organizational success. A skilled, motivated, and healthy workforce not only drives operational efficiency but also strengthens long-term growth. Recognizing this crucial relationship, Pakistan’s Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 provides incentives for businesses to invest in employee training and welfare. Specifically, Section 27 allows tax deductions for eligible expenditures on employee facilities and training programs, excluding capital expenditures.

This provision creates a win-win scenario: employees benefit from improved training and facilities, while businesses gain by reducing their taxable income and building a more capable workforce.

Key Provisions under Section 27

Section 27 outlines specific categories of expenditures that qualify for deductions:

1. Employee Welfare Facilities

Businesses can claim deductions for costs incurred in establishing and maintaining:

Educational institutions (schools, colleges, training centers) exclusively for employees and their dependents.
Hospitals or healthcare facilities catering to the workforce and their families.

Impact: By investing in healthcare and education, employers strengthen employee loyalty, reduce absenteeism, and foster long-term organizational commitment.

2. Contributions to Government-approved Training Institutes

Expenses incurred on training industrial workers at institutes that are:

Recognized, aided, or run by the Government, qualify for deductions.

Impact: This supports the government’s national skill development agenda, ensuring industries have access to better-trained workers while reducing unemployment and skill gaps.

3. Board-approved Training Schemes

Businesses may also design their own training initiatives, provided they are approved by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). These expenses are deductible if the training scheme:

Targets Pakistani citizens.
Meets the FBR’s approval criteria.

Impact: Companies can tailor training to their unique needs, whether it’s adopting emerging technologies, upskilling employees, or developing leadership capabilities.

Implications for Businesses and the Economy

The tax benefits under Section 27 offer strategic and operational advantages:

Improved Human Capital → Encourages ongoing investment in employee training, resulting in higher productivity and efficiency.
Employee Motivation & Retention → Access to welfare facilities (education, healthcare) increases job satisfaction and loyalty.
National Skill Development → Aligns private sector efforts with public initiatives, strengthening Pakistan’s industrial competitiveness.
Financial Relief for Businesses → Tax deductions lower effective tax liability, freeing up resources for reinvestment.

Challenges and Considerations

While Section 27 is beneficial, businesses must carefully navigate compliance and practical issues:

Genuineness of Expenditures
- Authorities must ensure that only legitimate employee-related costs are claimed, not personal or unrelated expenses.
Clarity in FBR Approvals
- Transparent and consistent approval processes are essential for Board-approved training schemes to reduce uncertainty for businesses.
Evolving Industry Needs
- Training programs must adapt to technological advancements, new industry standards, and changing market demands.
Documentation & Record-Keeping
- Proper records, receipts, and approvals are crucial to substantiate claims during tax audits.

Conclusion

Section 27 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, represents a forward-looking tax policy that incentivizes businesses to invest in their workforce. By allowing deductions for training and welfare expenditures, it not only reduces the tax burden but also fosters a stronger, healthier, and more skilled workforce.

For businesses, this is an opportunity to align tax planning with human capital development, creating long-term value for both the company and the economy. However, to fully leverage these benefits, organizations must maintain compliance, ensure transparency, and continuously update their training strategies in line with evolving industry trends.

Quratul Ain

Content Writer at TaxationPk, responsible for creating engaging and informative content on taxation in Pakistan. Dedicated to making complex tax matters accessible through well-researched and compelling articles.

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