Islamabad, Feb 3: The Sindh Cabinet has approved the Agricultural Income Tax Bill 2025, a move that aims to generate revenue while supporting the national interest. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced that the bill will come into effect starting January 2025. In a statement from the Chief Minister’s office, Shah emphasized that the approval of this bill is in line with the province’s commitment to contributing to the country’s overall economic stability.
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The bill excludes the livestock sector from agricultural income taxation, an important concession for the farming community. Instead of the Board of Revenue (BOR), the Sindh Revenue Board (SRB) will be responsible for collecting the agricultural income tax. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for adjustments to the tax in case of natural calamities, providing some relief to farmers facing such challenges. However, it also introduces fines for concealing cultivated areas, aiming to ensure transparency and accountability.
The Sindh Cabinet raised concerns regarding the lack of consultation with the provincial government before negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In response, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah assured that he would address these concerns with the federal government. The approval of the Agricultural Income Tax Bill marks a significant step in Sindh’s efforts to increase revenue while addressing long-standing issues within the agricultural sector.
