Headlines about “super tax” confuse even careful readers, because Pakistan has layered extra charges on high incomes at different times. Here’s the current picture in plain terms.
The 9% surcharge (2025-26)
For salaried individuals in tax year 2025-26, a 9% surcharge applies on the computed tax where annual taxable income exceeds Rs 10 million. Note: it’s 9% of your tax, not 9% of your income – an important distinction. On a Rs 12 million salary, the slab tax comes to about Rs 3.38 million, and the surcharge adds roughly Rs 304,000.
How it differs from “super tax”
Super tax (section 4C) has historically targeted high-earning companies and certain sectors with additional slabs. The salaried surcharge is the parallel concept for individuals. Both change with budgets – which is why “what did I pay last year” is never a safe guide to this year.
Planning around it
You can’t avoid lawful tax, but timing matters: bonuses, arrears and capital receipts landing in the same year can push you over the threshold. If you’re near Rs 10 million, model scenarios with our salary tax calculator before year-end – and consider professional advice for anything structural.
Need help with your taxes? Try our free calculators or let our experts file your return for you.