ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued a draft notification proposing significant amendments to the Income Tax Rules, 2002, aimed at tightening reporting requirements for online marketplaces, courier services, and payment intermediaries.
The draft, published under S.R.O. 1634 (I) 12025, has been shared in exercise of powers under Section 237 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, read with Sections 165 and 165C.
The proposed rules require online marketplaces to furnish monthly statements disclosing the transactional details and aggregate quantum of sellers registered with them. In cases where such platforms also provide courier services, they will additionally be required to file statements under Rule 44 in line with Part-X of the Second Schedule.
Key Amendments Proposed
Rule 38A – Statement by Online Marketplaces:
Online marketplaces will be mandated to file monthly statements of seller transactions.
If also engaged in courier services, the marketplaces must comply with additional filing obligations under existing provisions.
Quarterly Filing for Couriers and Payment Intermediaries:
Entities responsible for collecting or deducting tax under Division II or III of Part V of Chapter X or under Chapter XII of the Ordinance must now file quarterly statements instead of biannual filings.
The filing deadlines have been aligned as follows:
For the quarter ending March 31 → file by April 20
For the quarter ending June 30 → file by July 20
For the quarter ending September 30 → file by October 20
For the quarter ending December 31 → file by January 20
Amendment to the Second Schedule (Part X):
The current requirement of filing a “Biannual Statement” will be replaced with a “Quarterly Statement” under Sections 165(2) and 165C.
Additional reporting tables will be introduced to strengthen disclosure formats.
Opportunity for Feedback
As required under Section 237(3) of the Ordinance, the FBR has invited objections or suggestions from stakeholders within seven days of the draft’s publication in the official Gazette. Feedback received within this timeframe will be reviewed before finalization of the amendments.
These amendments are part of FBR’s broader efforts to enhance transparency and improve tax compliance in Pakistan’s rapidly growing digital economy. By bringing online marketplaces, couriers, and payment intermediaries under stricter reporting regimes, the tax regulator aims to curb potential tax evasion, track cross-border transactions, and ensure accurate withholding tax collection.
