Minimum tax under Section 113 of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001 applies to companies and certain individuals in Pakistan that declare zero profit or a tax loss but still have significant turnover. If you run a business and claim losses every year, FBR may still require you to pay minimum tax. Here is everything you need to know.
Kamboh Associates provides expert FBR tax compliance services in Pakistan. Income tax filing from Rs. 3,500, NTN registration from Rs. 2,000, company incorporation from Rs. 15,000. WhatsApp 0328-4675162.
What is Minimum Tax Under Section 113?
Section 113 provides that if a company's normal income tax liability (after all deductions and exemptions) is less than 1.5% of its gross turnover, the company must pay a minimum tax equal to 1.5% of its turnover. This prevents businesses from permanently declaring losses to avoid tax while reporting high revenue.
Who Does Minimum Tax Apply To?
| Taxpayer Type | Applies? | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Private limited companies | Yes | 1.5% of gross turnover |
| Public limited companies | Yes | 1.5% of gross turnover |
| AOPs with turnover above Rs. 100 million | Yes | 1.5% of gross turnover |
| Individual business owners (non-corporate) | Only if notified by FBR | 1.5% of gross turnover |
| Banks and financial institutions | Yes (higher rates apply) | Different rate under Sec 113(1)(b) |
| Service sector companies (specific sectors) | Yes | Sector-specific rates |
How Minimum Tax is Calculated
Step 1: Calculate normal income tax liability based on taxable profit.
Step 2: Calculate 1.5% of gross turnover (total revenue, not profit).
Step 3: Pay whichever is higher.
Example: A private limited company with Rs. 50 million turnover and Rs. 2 million declared loss:
- Normal tax on loss: Rs. 0
- Minimum tax: 1.5% × Rs. 50 million = Rs. 750,000
- Tax payable: Rs. 750,000 (the minimum tax)
Can Minimum Tax be Carried Forward?
Yes. If minimum tax paid in a year exceeds the normal tax liability, the excess can be carried forward and adjusted against normal tax liability in the next 5 tax years. This is called the excess minimum tax credit under Section 113(2). So if your business becomes profitable in future years, you get credit for the minimum tax you paid during loss years.
Exemptions from Minimum Tax
Certain businesses are exempt from minimum tax under the Second Schedule:
- New businesses in their first year of operation
- Companies in Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
- Certain IT and export companies with approved exemptions
- Non-profit organisations with approved tax-exempt status
- Companies whose turnover falls below the prescribed threshold
Minimum Tax vs Turnover Tax — What is the Difference?
Section 113 (minimum tax) applies when normal tax is below 1.5% of turnover. Section 113A (turnover tax) applied to specific sectors. Both are variations of the same concept — ensuring companies with significant revenue pay some minimum level of tax regardless of declared profits.
How to File Minimum Tax in FBR Return
Minimum tax is calculated and declared in the company's annual income tax return (Form IT-2 for companies). The return must show: total gross turnover, normal tax liability, minimum tax calculation (1.5% of turnover), and the higher of the two amounts as tax payable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Help With Company Tax Return and Minimum Tax?
Kamboh Associates files corporate income tax returns and handles minimum tax calculations for private limited companies across Pakistan.
WhatsApp Now — 0328-4675162FBR Tax Compliance — Expert Tips for Pakistan 2026
Staying compliant with FBR regulations protects you from penalties, notices, and legal complications. Below is a practical guide covering the most important aspects of tax compliance for individuals and businesses in Pakistan.
Essential FBR Deadlines 2026-27
| Filing Type | Deadline | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Income Tax Return (Individual) | September 30, 2026 | Rs.1,000/month plus 0.1% of tax |
| Income Tax Return (Company) | December 31, 2026 | Rs.10,000 plus 0.1% of tax/month |
| sales tax return filing | 18th of each month | Rs.10,000 per late return |
| Withholding Tax Statement | 15th of each month | 0.1% of WHT per day |
| wealth statement preparation | September 30, 2026 | Rs.100,000 for non-submission |
Top Tax Saving Strategies for 2026
- Invest in equity mutual funds — get up to Rs.150,000 tax credit under Section 62
- Contribute to pension funds — up to 20% of income deductible under Section 63
- Pay Zakat through official banks — directly deducted from tax liability
- Keep all bills and receipts — electricity, rent, fuel for business use are deductible
- Use banking channels for all business transactions — supports your income declarations
Documents to Keep for Tax Purposes
- CNIC copy and NTN certificate
- Bank statements for all accounts (last 5 years)
- Property purchase and sale documents
- Salary slips / Form 16 (tax deduction certificate from employer)
- Investment certificates (mutual funds, prize bonds, shares)
- Business invoices, receipts, and ledgers
Why Hire a Tax Consultant?
A professional tax consultant ensures you never miss a filing deadline, claim all legitimate deductions, and stay protected from FBR notices. Tax laws in Pakistan change every year with the Finance Act — staying current requires specialized knowledge.
Kamboh Associates has been serving individuals and businesses since 2008. Call 0328-4675162 or WhatsApp for same-day service.
Frequently Asked Questions — Pakistan Tax 2026
What is FBR and what does it do?
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is Pakistan's premier tax collection authority, responsible for administering income tax, sales tax, federal excise duty, and customs duty. FBR operates through Regional Tax Offices (RTOs) across Pakistan and manages the online IRIS portal for tax filing. FBR also maintains the Active Taxpayer List (ATL) which determines whether a person is a tax filer or non-filer, directly affecting withholding tax rates on hundreds of transactions.
What taxes do I need to pay as a salaried employee in Pakistan?
As a salaried employee, your employer deducts income tax from your salary under Section 149 (withholding tax on salary). You also pay indirect taxes like sales tax on purchases and various withholding taxes. Additionally, if you have other income (rent, bank profit, investment gains), you must file an income tax return filing. As of 2026-27, salaried income up to Rs.600,000 is exempt from income tax. Above that, progressive tax rates apply from 2.5% to 35%.
How do I register my NTN with FBR?
NTN (National Tax Number) registration is done online at IRIS (iris.fbr.gov.pk). The process is free. You need your CNIC, an active email address, a Pakistani mobile number, and your bank account details. For salaried individuals, your NTN is simply your CNIC number — you just need to activate it through IRIS. For businesses, partnership, or companies, additional documentation is required. Kamboh Associates can complete NTN registration for you in under 30 minutes.
What is the penalty for not filing income tax return in Pakistan?
Under Section 182, the penalty for not filing an income tax return when you are required to do so is Rs.1,000 per month of delay for individuals, or Rs.10,000 per month for companies. Additionally, 0.1% of the tax payable per day is charged as a surcharge. Beyond the financial penalty, non-filers face higher withholding tax rates on all major transactions — property, banking, vehicles — which can cost far more than the filing fee itself.
How much does it cost to hire a tax consultant in Pakistan?
Tax consultant fees in Pakistan vary by complexity. Basic salaried return filing: Rs.3,000-5,000. Business returns (sole proprietor): Rs.5,000-15,000. Company returns with audit: Rs.15,000-50,000+. NTN registration: Rs.1,000-3,000. FBR notice response: Rs.5,000-25,000 depending on complexity. Monthly bookkeeping retainers start at Rs.5,000. Kamboh Associates offers transparent, competitive pricing with same-day service. Call 0328-4675162 for a quote.
Pakistan's Trusted Tax Consultants Since 2008
Kamboh Associates has served 5,000+ clients with income tax filing, NTN registration, company formation, and FBR compliance. Same-day service, transparent pricing, expert team.
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