ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued a new announcement on the imposition of taxes on earnings via social media. This new move by the FBR will bring social media influencers and YouTubers within the tax bracket.
According to sources, the new tax regulations aim to cover digital income, particularly for influencers and content creators, under the recently introduced SRO 546. The new rules also apply to non-resident social media creators, marking a significant expansion of Pakistan’s tax base.
Accoring to local news channel report, the FBR has introduced a new SRO 545(I)/2026, which will impose taxes on digital earnings. Non-resident YouTubers or social media influencers with more than 50,000 followers will also be brought within the tax bracket. The FBR has confirmed a new procedure to be followed by those earning via social media. They will be taxed on the basis of Rs. 195 for every 1,000 views.
In its announcement, the FBR explained that the YouTubers will be required to pay their advance taxes quarterly. The objective is to bring the growing digital economy into the tax fold.
In addition, the tax policy will cover foreign YouTubers or digital content creators who reach over 50,000 users in Pakistan in the tax year or 12,250 users in one quarter of the tax year.
The tax policy will require the YouTubers or digital content creators to pay tax on their earnings from their content creation. The policy will allow them to claim up to 30 percent of their income as deductions.
The FBR’s policy is timely considering the growing digital economy in the country. The digital economy is growing rapidly in the country with social media being one of the main sources of income for the population.
As the new policy takes effect, it is likely that the YouTubers or digital content creators will be required to change their practices in line with the new tax structure.
