Islamabad has announced a new taxation policy targeting income earned through social media platforms, aiming to integrate YouTubers and digital influencers into the formal tax system. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has implemented updated regulations under statutory regulatory orders SRO 545(I)/2026 and SRO 546(I)/2026 to govern digital earnings.
the new framework, income generated from platforms such as YouTube and other social media channels will now be taxable. A specific mechanism has been introduced to assess and collect taxes from digital content creators, ensuring a structured approach to online income taxation.
Notably, these rules extend to non-resident social media creators who have more than 50,000 followers or users in Pakistan, thereby broadening the tax net beyond domestic earners. The FBR has set the taxable income estimate at 195 rupees per 1,000 views, requiring YouTubers and influencers to pay advance tax on a quarterly basis.
In a significant development, this initiative reflects the government’s efforts to formalize the rapidly expanding digital economy and enhance revenue collection. Officials emphasize that the new system will establish a clear and efficient taxation process for online earnings, acknowledging the growing impact of digital platforms on Pakistan’s economic landscape.
