The government has reportedly planned to withdraw 3% value addition sales tax imposed on 32 various imported products. According to information, the Ministry of Finance and Revenue will table a summary today before the federal cabinet to get its approval for amending the Sales Tax Act of 1990.
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The Ministry of Finance has proposed to put an end to of 3% value added tax which is currently charged on 32 types of goods that are subject to maximum retail prices, according to the report. All the imported items are currently subject to 17% sales tax and 3% value added tax, bringing total liability to 20%.
Once approved by the federal cabinet, the 32 types of imported items including consumable and durable products as well as automobile related ones will be subject to a 17% standard sales tax. This will also significantly hit the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) revenue collection, which has fallen short of the target by Rs 64 billion in the first two months of the current fiscal year.
The report also states that these proposals are against the strategy of FBR Chairman Syed Shabbar Zaidi, who wanted to tax maximum goods on their retail prices aimed at discouraging tax evasion.
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It is also being reported that the decision to withdraw 3% tax and exclude the goods for car assemblers from the scope of retail price taxation was taken at the highest political level. They argued that these sectors sought taxation relief due to the economic slump, which had started adversely affecting the sales and production of automobiles in Pakistan. The relief will also be implemented on various other related products such as fluids & lubricants, batteries and tires & tubes etc.
Additionally, the 3% value-added tax has also been proposed to be withdrawn on the sale of household electrical goods, including air conditioners, refrigerators, deep freezers, televisions, recorders and players, electric bulbs, tube lights, electric fans, electric irons, washing machines and telephone sets.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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