Sales Tax on Goods in Pakistan

Sales tax in Pakistan has a rich history dating back to the time of partition. Initially administered at the provincial level in Punjab and Sindh, it became a federal subject in 1948 under the General Sales Tax Act 1948. Currently, the regulation and imposition of Sales tax on goods is carried out through the Sales Tax Act 1990 (“the Act”).

Federal Sales Tax: Key Features

Sales tax in Pakistan follows a Value Added Tax (VAT) system. It is an indirect tax applicable to the consumption of goods across the entire supply chain, including importers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers, with certain exceptions. This multi-stage tax is levied on:

• Taxable supplies by registered persons for any taxable activity
• Goods imported into Pakistan.

The system employs tax credits (input tax adjustment) to shift the tax burden onto the final consumer while relieving intermediaries of tax liabilities. 

Tax Rates

 Sales tax in Pakistan is typically charged at a standard rate of 18%. An additional 4% (referred to as further tax) is applied when goods are supplied to unregistered persons. However, further tax exemptions exist for specific categories, including essential commodities and certain supplies.

 Specified Rates

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) can set lower or higher rates for specified items. Some examples include different tax rates for motor vehicles, personal computers, and electric vehicles.

Fixed Rates Based on Capacity/Quantity

The FBR has the authority to levy sales tax on a fixed basis, considering the capacity or quantity of goods, rather than their value. For instance, SIM card activation, mobile phones, and bricks have fixed tax rates based on specific criteria.

Sales Tax on Export-Oriented Items

Sales tax on five export sectors (Textile, Carpets, Leather, Sports, and Surgical Goods) for local supplies is set at the standard rate of 18%. However, certain conditions apply for tax rate reductions in specific cases, such as integrated supply chains.

Third Schedule Items

Goods falling under the Third Schedule of the Act are subject to a manufacturer’s sales tax rate of 18% based on the manufacturer’s recommended retail price. Wholesalers and retailers then charge the same amount of sales tax to their customers.

Liability to Pay Sales Tax

 The liability to pay sales tax depends on the type of transaction:

• For supply of goods, the person making the supply is liable.
• For goods imported into Pakistan, the importer is liable.

GST Exemptions and Incentives

Zero Rated Supplies: Zero-rated supplies are subject to sales tax at a zero rate. Exported goods fall under this category, allowing suppliers to credit/adjust the input tax they have paid.

Exempt Supplies: Exempt supplies are outside the scope of sales tax and are not subject to it. They include various items such as live animals, certain books, and machinery for Export Processing Zones, among others.

Input Tax Adjustment:

Input tax is generally not admissible for goods and services unrelated to taxable supplies, personal or non-business use, goods used in immovable property, vehicles, and more. There’s also a restriction on input tax adjustment, with a 90% limit on input tax adjustment against output tax for a particular tax period.

Exceptions: Certain entities, like oil marketing companies, fertilizers manufacturers, and telecommunications services, are exceptions to the 90% limit on input tax adjustment.

The tax landscape in Pakistan is intricate and subject to change, so it’s crucial to stay updated with the latest regulations and consult with tax experts for specific advice.