Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is celebrating a significant win in tax collection. They've amassed a staggering Rs 87 billion in income tax from bank depositors during the first ten months of fiscal year 2023-24.
- Impressive Growth: This figure marks a 22% increase compared to the Rs 71 billion collected during the same period last year.
- Deposit Boom: The FBR attributes this surge to the record-breaking level of bank deposits in Pakistan, fueled by attractive interest rates.
- Banking Sector Strength: By April 2024, bank deposits reached a historic Rs 28.42 trillion, showcasing the banking sector's robust growth.
- Depositor Confidence: This growth reflects the increasing trust of people in the banking system, supported by the State Bank of Pakistan's (SBP) policies.
- High-Interest Rates: The SBP's key policy rate of 22% has incentivized saving, leading more people to deposit money in banks.
- Positive Outlook: The FBR expects this trend to continue as the fiscal year progresses, further strengthening the government's revenue base.
- Increased Government Revenue: The additional tax revenue from deposits provides the government with more resources for development initiatives.
- Financial System Stability: The growth in deposits reflects public confidence in the banking system, contributing to overall financial stability.
- Economic Growth: A robust banking sector plays a vital role in facilitating economic growth by providing capital for businesses and individuals.
The FBR's success in collecting income tax from bank deposits highlights the positive impact of the SBP's monetary policies and the growing strength of Pakistan's banking sector. As the fiscal year progresses, it will be interesting to see if this upward trend in tax collection continues.