Provincial Sales Tax in Pakistan (Comprehensive Overview)

In Pakistan, sales tax on services is collected by provinces (not the federal government). Each province has its own law, authority, and procedures.


�� Governing Laws & Authorities

  • Sindh Revenue Board (SRB) – Sindh
  • Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) – Punjab
  • Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Revenue Authority (KPRA) – KP
  • Balochistan Revenue Authority (BRA) – Balochistan

�� Each authority operates under its own provincial sales tax law (generally called Sales Tax on Services Act).

�� What is Taxed?

Provincial sales tax applies to services, including:

  • IT and software services
  • Consultancy and professional services
  • Construction and contractors
  • Advertising and marketing
  • Telecom and banking services
  • Restaurants and hospitality

�� Goods are taxed federally under sales tax (FBR), not provinces.

�� Tax Rates

  • Standard rate: ~15% to 16% (varies by province and service)
  • Reduced / special rates apply for certain sectors

�� Registration Requirement

You must register if you:

  • Provide taxable services in a province
  • Meet the registration threshold (or even without threshold in many cases)

�� Registration is done with the relevant provincial authority, not the Federal Board of Revenue.

�� Filing & Payment

  • Returns are usually filed monthly 
  • Payment must be made before the due date
  • Filing is done through online portals of each authority 

�� Input Tax Adjustment

  • Businesses can claim input tax credit on services
  • Conditions:
    • Proper invoices
    • Registered suppliers
    • Relevant to taxable activity

�� Reduces overall tax liability

�� Place of Supply Rule (Important)

Tax is paid in the province where:

  • Service is rendered, or
  • Customer is located (depending on service type)

�� Critical for businesses operating in multiple provinces

�� Penalties for Non-Compliance

  • Late filing penalties
  • Default surcharge
  • Possible audits and assessments

�� Key Differences vs Federal Sales Tax

FeatureProvincial Sales TaxFederal Sales Tax
Applies toServicesGoods
AuthorityProvincesFederal Board of Revenue
LawsProvincial ActsSales Tax Act, 1990
FilingSeparate per provinceCentralized

�� Practical Takeaway

  • If your business provides services → deal with provinces 
  • If your business sells goods → deal with FBR 
  • If both → you may need dual registration