Banking Services Sales Tax Witnesses a Strong 17% Growth in Fiscal Year 2023

Karachi, February 9, 2024 – The Sindh Revenue Board (SRB) reported on Friday that Pakistan’s banking sector experienced an impressive 17 percent increase in sales tax collections during the fiscal year 2022-23, reaching Rs. 11.33 billion, despite economic adversities and regulatory challenges.

The banking industry’s resilience shone through in its 17.2 percent year-over-year growth, up from Rs. 9.66 billion the previous year. This increase is remarkable, given the economic headwinds and the impact of the State Bank of Pakistan’s policies on Letters of Credit linked to the Import Substitution Policy.

Banking services, classified under the Sales Tax on Services (SST) with a standard rate of 13 percent, exclude markup or interest for a balanced tax approach. The sector’s robust performance underlines its essential role in the economy, acting as a key facilitator for businesses and individuals.

Despite the challenges in issuing Letters of Credit under the Import Substitution Policy, the banking sector showed adaptability and resilience. This growth in sales tax revenue reflects the industry’s robustness and its critical contribution to economic stability in Pakistan.

The SRB’s analysis offers insights into the banking sector’s financial health and its impact on policy and industry stakeholders. The 17 percent growth in sales tax collections highlights the sector’s continued contribution to the national treasury and its importance in driving Pakistan’s economic growth.

Looking ahead, fostering a supportive regulatory environment and encouraging public-private collaboration will be crucial for the banking industry’s continued evolution and challenge management. This positive trend in sales tax collection from banking services is an encouraging sign for Pakistan’s overall economic prospects and the sector’s role in promoting sustainable development.