This is one of the frequently asked questions so, here goes the detail: The withholding tax on property in Pakistan is the fusion of Capital Gain Tax and Capital Value Tax. It is the amount which is paid by both the parties, the buyer and as well as the seller. It is paid when the property is finally sold.
As per the percent of the Tax, both the parties have to pay withholding tax. If the property is already a filer on income tax by the buyer, it remains 2%, whereas if the buyer is a non-filer, the tax surges to 45%. The large gap ensures that buy property in Pakistan should become tax filers and non-filing has its heavy cost. The same is for the sellers. If they are a filer, they have to pay 1% of tax, but if they are non-filer, the tax will charge as much as 25% withholding tax.
If you want to know how much Tax do you need to pay?
Who is Exempt from Paying withholding Tax on Property?
The points given below show tax exemption:
- The annual rent of property cannot exceed PKR 4,320. It makes it tax-free.
- The property, including buildings and homes owned by widows, orphans, or disabled persons with up to PKR 12,150 per year, are exempted.
- A single only house with only PKR 6,480 rent, which also occupied by the owner for residence, makes its way to tax-exempt.
- A residential house on a land area less than 5 Marla, which is also not a category ‘A,’ enjoys the tax exemption.
- A single property owned by government servant either retired with up to 1 Kanal is exempted.
- The buildings owned by the government or local semi-government authorities, i.e., Corporation, Welfare Centre, Municipality, or town committee.
- The parks, schools, hospitals, boarding, and libraries are tax exempted.
- If any property’s rent is dedicated to the religious or charitable institution, it stands as tax-free.
- The mosques and religious areas don’t come under the tax.
How You Can Pay Your Taxes
There are three easy ways you can pay property taxes in Pakistan those are:
Tax Collection Department
Taxes are collected in TAX collection offices set up in every provincial areas of Pakistan. You can easily pay your taxes by contacting the tax department of your respective area and pay your taxes following the procedure advised by them.
Tax Collection via Banks
The easy way to pay your tax in Pakistan is via banks. Visit your nearest bank generate an online property tax challan and pay your tax amount.
Online Banking System
This probably the easiest way you can pay your tax. You can make online payments through the online banking systems from comfort of your own homes. You need not step outside the coziness of your home, a single click does the job, its that simple.
How to calculate your tax?
The Government of Pakistan, in this regard, has initiated a site by accessing it you can calculate the exact taxable amount for the benefit of property owners. Now you can calculate the tax by just entering the details.
Conclusion
Irrespective of your land be it vast/costly one or less, one should stand as a responsible citizen. Responsibility towards state is the first sign of your integrity. The responsible citizen remains accurate about their tax details without slightest evasion. This is an act that builds the economy of the country. If we have a look at real estate, people like to buy plots and homes in different private societies for their comfort and luxury but here tax again for your own comfort of civic responsibility must be ensured.
The tax applies to all private/government property buyers and sellers. Thus, if you decide not to pay it, strict action as per law can be initiated against you by the FBR. The government has made it easy to calculate your tax and possession of property law in Pakistan to pay within a due time via banks, tax department, or online transfers So, now we need to show responsibility as well.
The property prices are on the rise day by day, so it is the best investment opportunity one can avail So, never let the opportunity slip. The investment of today is the Return on Investment tomorrow. The early you make an investment the greater the fruits.
