Monthly Archives: October 2025

The Pakistan tax system’s complexity often leaves taxpayers unaware of hidden tax exemptions and reliefs. The Federal Board of Revenue is increasing the Finance Act 2025, making it an ideal time to explore these benefits. This blog will highlight the FBR Income Tax Exemption list, relevant tax credits, overlooked tax reductions, tax credit perspectives, and hidden withholding and income tax exemption glitches. 

 

The Basics of Tax Exemptions 

In Pakistan, tax exemption is the list of incomes, sectors, or transactions for which the FBR establishes that they are not to be charged for income tax according to the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001. They are not just random freebies but intentional measures to grow the economy, shield disempowered communities, and lure investments in areas of high priority like IT, agriculture, and renewable energy industries. 

• Foreign Remittances: Remittances received annually up to PKR 5 million through official banking channels are exempt from income tax. This is an incredible waiver for overseas Pakistanis and their families, who do not need to disclose the source for amounts under this margin. 
• IT and Software Exports: Export income received in foreign currency in any Account through conversion and the normal operation of Export Computer software, IT services, for integrating such services with GST qualifies for a 100% tax credit until June 30, 2025, effectively exempting it (note that 80% of your cash must come from this, so if you are a freelancer on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork, this could reduce your liability to zero). 
• Special Economic Zones (SEZs): At an appointed Special Economic Zone, a firm is granted a 10-year corporate income tax exemption following the commencement of commercial activities, which can be extended to June 30, 2035. To begin, a firm capable of generating at least 75% of its sales is recommended when producing goods or exports. Companies in the following sectors cannot utilize the provisions 
• Power Generation Projects: The earnings of electric power projects built by June 30, 2021, and financed under a cover letter issued by June 30, 2023, will remain unaffected. This exclusion does not apply to firms that develop integrated power projects and sell electricity as per third-party validated external financial projections. 

 

Tax Reductions 

In addition to full exemptions, the 2025-26 budget tax cuts are graduated and provide substantial relief to employed persons and smaller corporations. To offset the impact of inflation, the Finance Act 2025 made adjustments to the slabs. It was especially beneficial for salaried workers and small enterprises, and the new slabs are as follows. For salaried persons: 

Income Slab (PKR)	Old Rate (2024-25)	New Rate (2025-26)	Effective Reduction
Up to 600,000	0%	0%	None (Exemption threshold unchanged)
600,001 – 1,200,000	5% of excess	1% of excess	Up to 80%
1,200,001 – 2,200,000	12.5% of excess	11% of excess	~12%
2,200,001 – 3,200,000	20% of excess	17% of excess	15%
3,200,001 – 4,100,000	25% of excess	22% of excess	12%
Above 4,100,000	Up to 35%	Up to 35% (with 3% cut for some)	Minimal (3%)

 

For example, employees who earn up to PKR 3.2 million end up saving several hundred thousand or more than PKR 50,000 for someone in a middling staff position. Meanwhile, non-filers are subjected to harsher punishment due to a 1 percent cash withdrawal tax, which has increased from 0.6 percent, highlighting the remarkable return on compliance. 

 

Tax Credits and Incentives 

Tax credits and incentives are equivalent to direct reductions in your tax bill, and they’re often more significant than deductions. Unlike exemptions, credits reduce liability for dollars. The FBR Income Tax Exemption section enlists the help of credits and incentives for these sectors. Pakistan’s 2025’s most standout tax credits include: 

• Donations to Approved NPOs: 

Donations to an approved NPO’s Tax rebates at your average rate on donations up to 30% of taxable income with your tax rate reduced by 15% for your companions. 

• Educator and Researcher Rebate: 

A researcher/educators’ wage reward for full-time teachers/employees in nonprofit institutions. The 25% wage tax income rebate is available as of July 1, 2022, and expires June 30, 2025. 

• Home Loan Incentives: 

Home loans subsidies are safe on the interest/profit you pay to build/buy a house up to 2,500 sq ft or flat up to 2,000 sq ft, reintroduced with modifications. 

• Start-ups and Venture Capital: 

Other offerings include the following: three-year exemptions for Pakistan Software Export Board certified start-ups and until 2025 June 30, for venture capital funds.  

90% reduction in low-cost housing for businesses; bio-energy projects; and foreign tax credits for your overseas income. You may argue with them if you provide me with proof that you’ve already paid income abroad. 

 

Navigating Withholding Tax 

The upfront collection mechanism by FBR of the tax on payments, including salaries, contracts, and services, is called Withholding tax. Depending upon the type, rate, and nature of the supplier-receiver relationship: 1% for filers but higher for non-filers, 7-10% for contracts, and progressive in salary cases. Although, the FBR Income Tax Exemption list has a plethora of exemptions. 

The notable tax relief for withholding tax in 2025 are: 

• Exemption Certificates: 

It can be obtained through IRIS for exporters, SEZ operators, or those with exempt income. Public limited firms now have a 100% exemption. Nonetheless, physical certificate/letter and their issuance at departmental level have been withdrawn. 

• Sector-Specific Waivers: 

No WHT is levied on government entities, diplomats, or CNIC-certified NGOs. IT exporters repatriate 80% of the proceeds free of tax. 

• Real Estate Breaks: 

Reduced WHT/Sales proceeds from property sales and transfers abolishing federal excise duty on construction. 

Deposit the amount by the 15th of the next month through the CPR challan.  

 

Income Tax Exemption for Special Groups 

A number of specific individuals and entities are granted general income tax exemption. They include: 

• NGOs and Charities: 

100% credit for NGOs, charities registered under the relevant acts, and additionally with PCP certification and who have maintained funds at a level lower than 25% of their income; they require having NTN/STRN. 

• Returning Citizens: 

Returning Citizens are also entitled to have their foreign source income exempt for the first two years after their return. 

• Widows/Senior Citizens: 

Certain exemptions are granted to widows/senior citizens depending on the set thresholds with the possibility of applying for the exemption with IRIS. 

• Prize Bonds and Remittances: 

Prize bonds are subject to 15% WHT, while remittances for an amount not exceeding PKR 5 million are exempt. 

 

In Guidance with CBM Consultants 

CBM Consultants helps individuals and businesses locate and claim the many tax exemptions and credits they are unaware of in Pakistan. We examine your income sources, investments, and business activities to find FBR tax exemptions, reductions, and incentives for which you are eligible. Our experts help with the right tax filing, withhold taxes, and keep track of new FBR Income Tax Exemption lists. This redresses tax liability without breaking any of Pakistan’s tax authorities. 

Conclusion 

In the landscape of tax exemption in Pakistan has a lot to provide, starting with exciting tax credits and innovative FBR Income Tax Exemption list and ending with a budget for 2025-26 reducing tax rates for salaried class and promising to partially lift repressive withholding taxes policies. More importantly, these benefits rely on the regularity of compliance, always filing on time and keeping a record of it, referring to the IRIS portal. Missing out can make you pay in lakhs because whether it is tax credit Pakistan is implementing for money in charity or exemption certificate, your auditing should have started sooner.  

In today’s business environment in South Asia, understanding the corporate tax laws is critical to the success of any company. For businesses in Pakistan, familiarity with these rules isn’t just a matter of ticking a compliance box, it represents a competitive advantage that can help keep you efficient, operational and sustainable as your company grows. In this guide, we are going to explore corporate taxation in Pakistan including everything from the basics to the latest changes. Whether you have a start-up or if you are an experienced executive; the command over Pakistan corporate tax rules will give you clear vision for making a sound decision.

 

What is Corporate Tax?

At its core, what is corporate tax? It’s a direct levy imposed by the government on the profits or income generated by companies and other business entities. Unlike personal income tax, which targets individuals, corporate tax often referred to as taxes on corporate income focuses on the net earnings of corporations after allowable deductions. In essence, it represents the government’s share of a business’s success, funding public services while incentivizing economic productivity through deductions and exemptions.

Globally, corporate taxes vary, but they universally aim to balance revenue generation with business encouragement. In Pakistan, this tax falls under the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, administered by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). It’s not just about paying up strategic planning around corporate tax laws in Pakistan can significantly impact your bottom line.

 

An Overview of Corporate Tax in Pakistan

The evolution of corporate tax is reflective of the growing economy and is rooted in the post-independence fiscal setup. It is now largely governed by the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, which details what kinds of income are taxable and the rates and methods for collection. The system applies to resident and non-resident companies, taxing residents on their worldwide income, while non-residents are taxed only on Pakistan-source income.

Key pillars include:

• Taxable Persons: Public companies, private limited companies, branches of a foreign company, and the AOP in business.
• Assessment Year: Corresponds to the financial year (July 1 to June 30), so Tax Year 2025 includes income of July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.
• Administration: Enforcement is administered by the FBR, which offers digital filing options such as the Iris portal.

This system ensures Pakistan corporate tax adequately contributes to national income, while providing alleviation to categories such as exports and SMEs.

 

Current Corporate Tax Rates in Pakistan

One of the most important factors in corporate tax laws in Pakistan is rate structure and its impact on financial planning. By 2025, the general corporate tax rate in Pakistan will have been reduced at 29%, for most businesses. But targeted incentives complicate the picture:

Company Type	Tax Rate (2025)	Key Notes
Standard Domestic Companies	29%	Applies to most resident companies.
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)	20%	For turnover below PKR 250 million; reduced via Finance Act 2025 to boost small businesses.
Banking Companies	39% (including super tax)	Higher due to sector-specific super taxes.
Super Tax Threshold	0.5%–4% additional	Applies to incomes over PKR 150 million; reduced by 0.5% for incomes exceeding PKR 250 million in Finance Act 2025.

 

Taxes on Corporate Income: How It’s Calculated

Taxes on corporate income form the backbone of Corporate Tax Laws, calculated as: Taxable Income × Applicable Rate. But what constitutes taxable income?

Gross Income:

Includes business earnings, capital gains, dividends, royalties, income from rent on real property.

Deductions:

The expenses you can write off, such as salaries, rent and depreciation (Based on the rates specified by FBR) and bad debts.

Exemptions:

Exemption to export profit and income derived from specific SEZ (Special Economic Zones) for a 10-year period. Credits for dividends received from subsidiaries may be available.

For instance, a manufacturing company with PKR 500 million turnover, PKR 300 million expenditure and PKR 50 million exempt exports would have to pay income tax on profit of PKR 150 million (PKR 200 million profit less than the exemption). You’d owe 29%, or PKR 43.5 million and change, in tax before credits.

Tax 15% on dividends, 6% on services Withholding taxes are reported as an installment creditable against final tax liability.

 

Key Provisions of Corporate Tax Laws

Corporate tax laws are detailed in the Income Tax Ordinance, emphasizing fairness and transparency. Here’s a breakdown:

Deductions and Allowances

• Business Expenses: Fully deductible provided they are “wholly and exclusively” for business, including marketing and utilities.
• Depreciation: 10% (furniture) to 30% for computers; first year allowances are given on new assets.
• Carry-Forward losses: Arithmetical Business Losses can be carried out for up to six years but are not eligible for setoff against propertied income after effect of Finance Act.

Exemptions and Incentives

• Tax Holidays: 10 years for power projects and IT exports.
• Minimum Tax: 1.25% of turnover if taxable income is low, so at least something goes in regularly.
• Group Contribution: Fiscal units between parent and subsidiary companies for the purpose of direct taxation.

Transfer Pricing

Arm’s-length principle in force, and documentation required for related-party transactions to help prevent profit shifting.

 

Filing Returns and Ensuring Compliance

The process of adherence to the corporate tax laws is simple in Pakistan through its FBR’s Iris system. Key steps:

• Annual Return: On or before September 30 (extendible to December 31) for the Tax Year 2025.
• Retain Statements: Submit quarterly agreed upon deduction of tax.
• Audits and Penalties: After the deadline, there is a 0.1% penalty per day; but extreme cases can see a penalty of 100% on tax evasion.

Pro tip: Get a tax consultant involved early to use advance rulings and avoid conflict.

 

Registration and Filing Guidance by CBM Consultants

CBM Consultants can contribute a vital part in providing the companies with corporate tax filing & registration in Pakistan by following the rules and regulations of FBR completely. We help in getting a National Tax Number (NTN), FBR registration and opening accounts at IRIS e-filing system for businesses. We recommend the appropriate amount of tax provision, carry on proper registration and filing of corporate income tax returns, calculate advance tax under management and satisfy all withholding obligations. Our experts also provide professional consultation and tax planning, deductions, incentives so as to reduce legal liabilities even in compliance with the Income Tax (IT) Ordinance 2001 of the company. The collaboration with our experts to ensure compliance and avoid penalties allows businesses to concentrate on growth.

 

Conclusion

Anecdotes and insights that make sense of corporate tax laws in Pakistan.  To succeed in the immensely competitive business world, professionals need to not only understand but also excel at handling complex tax rules businesses come across. Whether you’re learning what is corporate tax or capitalizing on the SME exemptions in 2025, being proactive about your engagement with taxes on corporate income and Pakistan corporate tax laws can unlock efficiencies. Remain informed through FBR notifications, and keep in mind that today’s compliance gains tomorrow’s prosperity.

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has introduced major changes to protect taxpayer data in the rapidly changing digital tax compliance environment for Pakistan. The FBR new password policy is the cause behind these changes; this requires your FBR password that IRIS portal be changed every 60 days, thereabouts. And it’s not just a cosmetic update; it’s a pro-active measure as cyber threats like phishing and unauthorized access continue to loom. If you are a taxpayer and using IRIS login for return filing, NTN (verification), online payment or similar other, this policy has a direct effect on how you work. 

With each filing season, that policy becomes more important to understand. In this blog, we’ll break the password policy for IRIS login and explore the FBR password change policy, in addition to explaining how to go through FBR login online verification, FBR NTN login, and easy IRIS login. And it really doesn’t matter what type of taxpayer you are: an individual filer, business owner or consultant with a bazillion account; knowing about the changes ahead better enables you to keep up on your tax responsibilities. 

 

What is the FBR New Password Policy? 

The introduction of FBR new password policy was effective since November 2024 and is part of digital security upgradation for IRIS (Income Tax Return Information System) portal in Federal Board Revenue. This is a rule that your IRIS user password or passwords (if you have multiple) to access tax filings; refunds and compliance reminders are all due to a reset every 60 days. For example, if the date on which you changed your password is 1st Jan 2025 and its now 2nd March 2025. It should expire automatically on the next login attempt; you need to update your password compulsorily.  

Why is the 60-day cycle? FBR explains that the move is due to growing cyber threats in Pakistani cyberspace. With a userbase of over 5 million active IRIS users online, the portal holds highly sensitive information i.e. income details, NTN registrations payment histories etc. public expiration on the password reduces the time window for which an attacker can potentially use their password. This is consistent with international best practices and according to the advice of experts in cyber security. But it’s been slightly adapted to take account of Pakistan’s insecurities as tax evasion probes and data leaks there are on the rise. 

 

Why Does Your FBR Password Expire in 60 Days? 

The rationale behind the FBR New Password Policy boils down to enhanced security in an era of sophisticated threats. Here’s why this 60-day expiration is a game-changer: 

Mitigating Breach Risks: 

To a hacker, a static password is like winning the lottery. And if a phishing email can crack an FBR alert, it might be able to provide access forever. A 60-day expiration ensures stolen credentials become stale rather fast, allowing a chance to notice the breach and recover.  

Encouraging Strong Habits: 

Here we use a policy to lean on our users and leverage strong IRIS passwords. FBR must have at least 8 characters including a combination of an uppercase letter, a number, and special character. Consider those noted on the mail or calendar, try something cryptic like “TaxFiler2025! PK” 

Compliance with Digital Pakistan Initiative: 

Like the other government’s taxes and import-export management, FBR is also working to lessen its carbon footprint by converting IRIS into a real-time notification and AI-auditing system. Secure logins are non-negotiable for features like instant FBR login online Verification, where you confirm your tax status via CNIC or NTN in seconds. 

User Feedback Loop: 

Early adopters find that not having to remember email with the reminders ‘SMS, unable to forget my password. It has also stirred up some controversy among accountants handling 100+ client accounts. Clearly, there is a need for efficiency! 

In other words, despite the sense of an extra hassle it may give you, this policy serves to protect your financial data more than it inconveniences you. 

 

Navigating the Password Policy 

The IRIS password policy is simple, but it is necessary to pay attention. Here’s how it dovetails with daily FBR interactions: 

For Salaried: Already, if you log in each year to file return the same logically is also an auto-prompted change at expiry; you do nothing preemptive about. Upgrade via the portal, and you’re good for the year. 

For Businesses and Frequent Users: Use calendar reminders for 60 days from the removing of lock-in letters since monthly withholding tax returns will be filed. That being said, tools like password managers (e.g. LastPass) would have the ability to flag expirations without having to store FBR creds insecurely. 

Effect on FBR NTN Login: When applied is successful, a new applicant receives the first password by email or SMS after completing the form. The initial IRIS password will start that 60-day clock right away, be sure to change it right away for security. 

Pro Tip: Always add working Mobile and email during FBR login Online Verification. This Discussion Allows for 2-Factor Authentication (2FA) with OTP which is one step beyond password policy. 

 

Step-by-Step Guide 

The FBR policy stresses that passwords must be updated easily. Follow these guidelines to remain in compliance: 

Visit the IRIS Portal: Navigate to iris. fbr. gov.pk (or e.fbr. gov.pk for legacy access). 

Start Login: Enter your User ID (CNIC for individuals, NTN for businesses) and current FBR password. If expired, you’ll see a “Password Expired” alert. 

Choose Change/Reset Option: 

• For previous proactive changes: Once successfully logged in, click “Change Password” from the top-right menu. 

• For expired/forgotten: Hover over “system” at the top, and you will see where to click to reset password. 

Verify Identity: Enter your registered email/mobile. FBR SMS a 15-minute life one time password (OTP). 

New Password: Enter IRIS password (must meet the following requirements) Confirm New Password: Repeat new IRIS password. Don’t reuse the old one; FBR blocks this for security.  

Confirm and Log In: And it should give you a message of success! Test your new creds immediately. 

Time estimate: 5-10 minutes. If you encounter problems (such as outdated contact info), call the helpline at 111-772-772 or email helpline@fbr.gov.pk. 

If you are an FBR NTN login first time user: Register with “New Registration” on the portal, enter CNIC/NTN details and receive instant credentials. Just apply the change policy directly then. 

 

Assistance by CBM Consultants: 

CBM Consultants are in a prime position to support their clients who need to comply with the FBR new password policy. We make certain all the IRIS client’s passwords are updated in the period of 60-day expiry, assist them to reset their password securely and direct them for FBR login online verification. We train taxpayers in establishing strong passwords, safeguarding their data, and how to avoid access issues. Our tax experts resolve these technical and compliance issues on behalf of individuals and businesses, to allow their uninterrupted access to their FBR login portal/NTN for timely tax filing and compliance. 

 

Best Practices for Secure FBR Access  

So, here’s what you need to do to play it according to our way: 

• Enable Notifications: Subscribe for expiry alerts 7 days in advance through IRIS settings. 

• Use Unique Passwords: Never use the same ones on different systems, create them using something like Bit warden. 

• Regular Audits: Every quarter, audit your FBR NTN login profile to ensure it is correctly listed. 

• Stay Updated: Follow FBR’s X on (Twitter) or official newsletters for mission changes. Rumors of extending to 90 days are flowing but nothing solid yet. 

 

By embedding these habits, you’ll turn a compliance chore into a security strength. 

 

Conclusion 

The FBR new password policy might be yet another hoop to jump through, but it is an essential safeguard in Pakistan’s digital tax vision. Now you can ask for FBR new password 60 days before having a smooth IRIS login, hassle free FBR NTN login. Online verification and disturbance free NTN login. As FBR drives a completely digital infrastructure, compliance isn’t just something they must do; it’s something that has them poised for success.