08/09/2026
📢 **FINANCE ACT 2026 – KEY INCOME TAX CHANGES**
FBR has issued **Circular No. 02 of 2026-27** explaining the important amendments introduced through the **Finance Act 2026**.
🔹 **1. Faceless Tax Regime**
Audit, assessment and certain appeals may now be conducted through a **Faceless Regime**, with communication through electronic means and hearings through e-hearing.
🔹 **2. Algorithmic Settlement Mechanism**
A digital mechanism has been introduced to provide settlement offers for certain tax proceedings through IRIS.
🔹 **3. Independent Case Scrutiny Committee**
Certain cases before the High Court, Federal Constitutional Court and Supreme Court will require approval of an **Independent Case Scrutiny Committee** before being filed by the Commissioner.
🔹 **4. Tax on Certain Life Insurance Payments**
Certain payouts, benefits, surrender values and maturity proceeds from life insurance/takaful are subject to tax from Tax Year 2026, subject to specified exemptions.
🔹 **5. 5% Tax on Social Media Revenue**
A **5% withholding tax** has been introduced on revenues received from social media platforms. The treatment differs for residents and certain non-residents.
🔹 **6. Relief for Salaried Individuals**
Tax rates for salaried individuals have been reduced through revised tax slabs.
🔹 **7. 9% Salary Surcharge Withdrawn**
The **9% surcharge applicable to salaried individuals earning taxable income above Rs. 10 million has been withdrawn**.
🔹 **8. Section 7E Abolished**
Tax on deemed income under **Section 7E has been abolished**.
🔹 **9. E-Commerce Tax Changes**
Certain e-commerce tax has been made adjustable for persons with turnover exceeding Rs. 200 million, while eligible persons up to Rs. 200 million turnover may opt for the normal tax regime from Tax Year 2027 onwards.
🔹 **10. Business Integration with FBR**
The framework for integration of businesses with FBR's computerized system has been strengthened.
🔹 **11. Bank Transaction Reporting**
Banks and Electronic Money Institutions will electronically report prescribed information relating to accounts having **deposits or withdrawals exceeding Rs. 100 million** during the reporting period.
🔹 **12. Relief for Exporters**
The additional **1% advance tax under Section 147(6C) for exporters has been abolished**.
🔹 **13. Advance Tax on Property**
Section 236C advance tax on sale/transfer of immovable property has been revised to **2.75%**, while Section 236K advance tax on purchase has been revised to **1.25% of fair market value**.
🔹 **14. International Cards**
Advance tax on international credit/debit/prepaid cards has been reduced from **5% to 0.5%**.
🔹 **15. Withholding Tax on Services**
Withholding tax rates on various services have been revised, including rates applicable to independent professionals.
🔹 **16. Inherited Immovable Property**
The cost of inherited immovable property will be determined on the basis of **fair market value** at the time of transfer, subject to the applicable provisions.
🔹 **17. Super Tax Relief**
Super tax has generally been abolished for persons having income up to **Rs. 500 million**, subject to specified exceptions.
🔹 **18. Electronic Filing**
Income Tax Returns are required to be filed electronically through **IRIS**. Companies must also file financial statements in an electronically readable format from Tax Year 2026 onwards.
🔹 **19. Re-Audit & Re-Valuation**
Enhanced powers have been provided for re-audit of accounts, revaluation of inventory and actuarial valuation in specified circumstances.
🔹 **20. Increased Penalties**
Penalties have been enhanced for certain tax and electronic integration/compliance failures.
🔹 **21. IT & IT-Enabled Services**
The reduced **0.25% advance tax rate on exports of IT and IT-enabled services has been extended up to Tax Year 2029**.
📌 **Stay compliant. Stay informed.**
**Shaban Ishaq & Company**