Tax
How is trading income taxed in Pakistan?
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Short answer
In Pakistan, gains on PSX shares bought on or after 1 July 2024 are taxed at a flat 15% for filers on the Active Taxpayers' List, collected automatically by NCCPL. Non-filers pay slab rates of at least 15%, and the Finance Act 2026 doubled the tax collected from them. Dividends are generally taxed at 15% for filers, PMEX commodity futures at 5%, and forex or crypto profits as ordinary income.
Capital gains on PSX shares
For listed shares, the National Clearing Company of Pakistan (NCCPL) computes, collects and deposits capital gains tax for you through your broker, under section 37A of the Income Tax Ordinance. The rate depends on when you bought the shares and on your filer status on both the purchase and the sale date.
| Shares acquired | Filer (on ATL) | Non-filer |
|---|---|---|
| On or after 1 July 2024 | 15% flat, any holding period | Normal slab rates, never below 15%; Finance Act 2026 doubled the amount collected |
| 1 July 2022 – 30 June 2024 | 15% (held ≤1 year) falling by 2.5% per year to 0% after 6 years | Higher rates apply |
| Before 1 July 2022 | Older holding-period schedule | Higher rates apply |
Dividends
- Most dividends from listed companies: 15% withheld for filers.
- Non-filers: the withholding rate is doubled under the Tenth Schedule.
- Dividends from a company that paid no tax (exemptions or losses): 25%.
- Mutual fund dividends: 15% on the equity-derived part, 25% on the debt-derived part for individuals.
PMEX futures
Gains on future commodity contracts traded through PMEX members are taxed at 5% under the same capital-gains schedule. The exchange's clearing system handles the collection.
Forex and crypto profits
No special rate exists for profits from offshore forex brokers or crypto. For a resident, they are income and are taxed at normal slab rates when you file your return; there is no automatic withholding, so you must report them yourself. Keep a record of every deposit, withdrawal and the rupee value on the day of each trade.
Declare crypto and foreign-broker balances in your wealth statement. Unexplained increases in wealth are one of the main triggers for FBR notices.
Why becoming a filer pays
- Lower capital gains and dividend rates — non-filers now pay roughly twice as much.
- Your status is checked on both the buy and sell dates, so get on the ATL before you invest.
- Filing a return also documents your source of funds, which brokers and banks ask for.
Roman Urdu mein jawab
Pakistan mein trading par tax kitna hai?
1 July 2024 ke baad khareede gaye PSX shares par filer ke liye 15% CGT hai jo NCCPL khud kaat leta hai. Non-filer par slab rate (kam az kam 15%) hai aur Finance Act 2026 ne un se wasooli double kar di. Dividend par filer 15%, PMEX futures par 5%, aur forex/crypto ka nafa aam income ki tarah slab rate par.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay tax if I lost money on shares?
No tax is due on a net loss. NCCPL nets gains and losses within the tax year, and capital losses on securities can be carried forward under the Ordinance's rules.
Is there tax on crypto in Pakistan?
Yes. Gains are income for a resident and must be declared in the return, and holdings belong in the wealth statement. The Finance Act 2026 introduced no special crypto rate.
Do I pay tax on forex trading profits from Exness?
Yes, profits of a Pakistani resident are taxable income wherever the broker is, at normal slab rates. Funding offshore brokers also raises separate State Bank rules.
How do I become a filer?
Register on the FBR's IRIS portal with your CNIC and file an income tax return. You appear on the Active Taxpayers' List after filing for the relevant year.
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