PTA Taxes Dropped? The Truth About the New iPhone & Samsung Rates

If you have been scrolling TikTok or Instagram this week, you’ve definitely seen the screams: “PTA Tax Kam Ho Gaya!” (PTA Taxes dropped!). Naturally, everyone is panicking. Did the government finally feel mercy? Did the FBR wake up in a good mood?

Well, yes and no. I watched the latest breakdown by VideoWaliSarkar, and here is the reality check. The tax percentage hasn’t changed. The math has changed.

Here is exactly what is happening with your potential iPhone approval.

1. The “Valuation” Trick (How They Lowered It)

FBR didn’t lower the 18% or 25% tax slab. Instead, they lowered the “Assessed Value” of the phone itself.

• Old Logic: FBR assumed a used iPhone 15 Pro Max was worth $900.
• New Logic: They have finally accepted reality. They now value a used/kit iPhone 15 Pro Max at $460.
• The Result: Since the base value is lower, the tax calculated on it is automatically lower.

2. Which Phones Got Cheaper?

This “relief” is specifically for 4 Brands and primarily for their older/used flagship models:

1. Apple (iPhone 13 to 15 Series)
2. Samsung (S21 to S23 Ultra)
3. Google Pixel (Pixel 7 to 9 Pro XL)
4. OnePlus (10 Pro to 12)

The Numbers (Estimates):

• iPhone 15 Pro Max: Tax dropped by PKR 30,000 – 40,000.
• iPhone 13 Pro Max: Tax dropped by PKR 13,000 – 15,000.
• Samsung S23 Ultra: Now assessed at $410 (massive drop).
• iPhone 14 Pro Max: Only a PKR 5,000 drop (because it holds value weirdly well).

3. The Big “Conditions” (Read This Before You Celebrate)

Before you rush to the bank, there are three massive catches:

1. Commercial Imports Only: This valuation update is primarily for importers bringing in bulk stock. It might not apply instantly if you try to register a single phone on your Passport today.
2. “Kit” Phones Only: This applies to phones imported without boxes and accessories. If you bring a brand new, box-packed phone, you pay the full, old tax.
3. 6-Month Active Rule: The phone must have been active/used internationally for at least 6 months.

4. What About CPID?

This is the most interesting part. For years, people bought “Patched” (CPID) Pixels and Samsungs because the official tax was insane. With these new lower valuations, the gap between a “Jugaad” phone and an “Official” phone has shrunk.

• Prediction: Expect fewer people to ruin their S23 Ultras with patches now that the official tax is somewhat affordable.

Raza’s Verdict: Should You Pay Tax Now?

Wait. Bilal (VideoWaliSarkar) rightly pointed out that shopkeepers are sitting on “Old Stock” that they paid high taxes on. They won’t drop prices immediately. It will take 1 to 1.5 months for this new “Low Tax Stock” to flood the market. If you buy today, the shopkeeper will pocket the difference. If you wait until March, you might actually save that 40k.

Are you finally going to approve your phone, or is non-PTA still the way? Let me know!