Tax on Architect Income in Pakistan (TY 2026-27)
Pakistan architect tax for TY 2026-27 - solo practice vs PCATP firm vs incorporated studio, project-based Section 153 WHT, deductible studio costs.
Worked example: Rs 350,000 per month
Annual income Rs 4,200,000 - here's how it would be taxed both ways under Finance Act 2025.
| Taxable income band | Rate | Income in band | Tax in band |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to Rs 600,000 | 0% | Rs 600,000 | Rs 0 |
| Rs 600,001 - Rs 1,200,000 | 15% | Rs 600,000 | Rs 90,000 |
| Rs 1,200,001 - Rs 1,600,000 | 20% | Rs 400,000 | Rs 80,000 |
| Rs 1,600,001 - Rs 3,200,000 | 30% | Rs 1,600,000 | Rs 480,000 |
| Rs 3,200,001 - Rs 5,600,000 | 40% | Rs 1,000,000 | Rs 400,000 |
| Total slab tax | Rs 1,050,000 | ||
Solo architect - non-salaried slabs
A solo architect registered with the Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners (PCATP) earns project-based fees taxed as business income on the non-salaried slab table (15% to 45%). Each project payment from a developer / homeowner / commercial client carries Section 153(1)(b) services withholding at 11% (filer) / 22% (non-filer), which the architect claims as a credit against annual tax. PCATP registration fees, professional indemnity insurance, BIM software (Revit, ArchiCAD), CAD subscriptions, and studio rent are deductible business expenses.
PCATP-registered architectural firm
Multiple architects practising together form an AOP under ITO Section 92, taxed on the non-salaried slab at AOP level. Partner-architects draw net of AOP-level tax with no re-taxation. The structure suits boutique studios with 2-5 architects working on a steady project pipeline. PCATP by-laws govern signing-architect ratios on projects above specified scale; firms must maintain professional indemnity insurance proportionate to project values.
Incorporated studio and large projects
Architects on large commercial / institutional projects (airports, banks, hospitals) often incorporate as Private Limited companies for liability shielding and to compete for public-sector tenders that require corporate vendor status. The company faces 29% corporate tax (or 20% small company) plus 15% dividend WHT on profit distribution to shareholder-architects. Super tax (Section 4C) above PKR 150M revenue. Budget 2026-27 did not change these rates - corporate structure stays unchanged from FA 2025.
Frequently asked questions
How is a Pakistani architect taxed in 2026-27?
Solo: non-salaried slab table (15% to 45%) with Section 153 11% adjustable WHT on each project fee. PCATP firm / AOP: AOP-level tax on slabs, partners draw net. Incorporated studio: 29% corporate tax (or 20% small company) plus 15% dividend WHT on distributions.
Can an architect claim PSEB 0.25%?
Generally no - architectural services aren't on the PSEB-eligible IT / IT-enabled services list. An exception may exist for architects specialising in pure 3D modelling / digital twin / BIM-only services exported to foreign clients - verify with PSEB before assuming eligibility.
Are CAD software subscriptions deductible?
Yes - Revit, ArchiCAD, AutoCAD, Rhino, and other CAD / BIM subscriptions are deductible business expenses. Render-farm time, plotting / printing costs, and site-visit travel are also deductible against business income on the non-salaried / AOP path.
Do I need PCATP and FBR registration both?
PCATP registration is mandatory to practise architecture professionally and sign drawings. FBR NTN registration is separate and required to file an income tax return. The two are independent regimes - obtaining PCATP does not auto-register you with FBR.