You hand over Rs. 100 at the shop and your phone beeps: Rs. 86.96 added. A few calls and some browsing later, the balance looks even smaller. You are not imagining it. A standard recharge may involve advance income tax first, followed by sales tax or Federal Excise Duty on taxable telecom services as you use your balance. The exact result depends on the applicable tax rules and your location.
This guide explains the Jazz load tax calculator in plain language, walks through the maths, and gives you a table of example recharge amounts from Rs. 100 to Rs. 3,000. It also explains how the figures compare across Jazz, Zong, Ufone, and Telenor. The examples using 19.5% tax are estimates for locations and services where that rate applies; check your operator’s current tax terms for your region.
Quick Answer
On a Rs. 100 Jazz recharge, the standard 15% advance income tax calculation gives an estimated Rs. 86.96 credited. If a 19.5% sales tax or equivalent usage-tax rate applies, the balance has an estimated spending value of about Rs. 72.77 after tax on taxable usage. These are illustrative figures, not a guaranteed result for every region, package, or customer.
Mobile Load Tax in Pakistan 2026: The Two Taxes Explained
Mobile load tax in Pakistan can involve two separate taxes, and they work differently. The exact usage-tax treatment depends on the applicable federal, provincial, or territorial rules and the operator’s published terms.
1. Withholding tax at recharge (15%)
This is advance income tax collected under Section 236 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, on behalf of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). FBR’s Tax Year 2027 withholding tax rate card, updated through 30 June 2026 under the Finance Act 2026, lists a 15% rate for mobile telephone subscribers and prepaid telephone or internet cards.
The commonly used recharge calculation treats the 15% tax as 15% of the balance credited. On a Rs. 100 recharge, Rs. 100 ÷ 1.15 gives an estimated credited balance of Rs. 86.96 and tax of Rs. 13.04. This is why the effective deduction from the amount paid is about 13.04%, even though the statutory rate is 15% of the credited amount.
A 75% rate applies to persons specified in an Income Tax General Order under Section 114B; it is not a blanket rate for every person who is not on the Active Taxpayer List. Section 236 also provides for specific exemptions in defined circumstances. Do not assume government bodies, diplomats, or other customers are exempt unless the applicable law and any required certificate confirm it.
2. Sales tax or FED on usage (rate depends on location)
The second charge is sales tax on telecom services or, where applicable, Federal Excise Duty (FED). The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has previously clarified that operators collect withholding tax on recharge and GST/FED on package subscription or usage. The commonly used 19.5% example is not a universal guarantee for every region or service; check your operator’s current published tax terms. Where 19.5% applies, a credited balance of Rs. 86.96 has an estimated tax component of Rs. 14.19 when fully spent on taxable usage.
Operator tax pages and applicable regional rules should be checked before relying on one rate nationwide. For example, Ufone’s current published tax table lists 19.5% usage tax in most listed regions and 0% in Gilgit-Baltistan, while Jazz’s published terms show a different rate for Islamabad Capital Territory. This calculator’s 19.5% figures are estimates for cases where that rate applies. Rates may change through federal, provincial, or territorial legislation and official notifications.
Good to know: Advance income tax under Section 236 is treated as adjustable in FBR’s withholding tax rate card, subject to the applicable law and the taxpayer’s return. Filing a return does not automatically produce a refund; eligibility and the amount that can be adjusted depend on the taxpayer’s circumstances.
How the Tax Is Calculated, Step by Step
You do not need to be good at maths. There are four small steps, and the calculator on this page does them for you.
- Withholding tax: recharge × 15 ÷ 115. For Rs. 100, that is approximately Rs. 13.04 under the standard calculation.
- Credited balance: recharge minus withholding tax. Rs. 100 minus Rs. 13.04 gives an estimated Rs. 86.96.
- Sales tax: credited balance × 19.5 ÷ 119.5. For Rs. 86.96, that is approximately Rs. 14.19 when the 19.5% tax-inclusive usage model applies.
- Estimated usable value: credited balance minus the estimated sales-tax component. Rs. 86.96 minus Rs. 14.19 leaves about Rs. 72.77 under this model.
For a shortcut, multiply a recharge by approximately 0.7277 to estimate the spending value under the 19.5% usage-tax model. Multiply by approximately 0.8696 to estimate the credited balance under the standard 15% advance-tax calculation. These shortcuts do not apply unchanged where different rates or exemptions apply.
Real Examples: Rs. 100, Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000
Recharge | Withholding Tax | Credited | Estimated Sales Tax on Usage | Estimated Usable Value |
Rs. 100 | Rs. 13.04 | Rs. 86.96 | Rs. 14.19 | Rs. 72.77 |
Rs. 500 | Rs. 65.22 | Rs. 434.78 | Rs. 70.95 | Rs. 363.83 |
Rs. 1,000 | Rs. 130.43 | Rs. 869.57 | Rs. 141.90 | Rs. 727.67 |
Working backwards: to receive an estimated Rs. 500 credited balance under the standard 15% calculation, multiply by 1.15 and recharge Rs. 575. This does not include any later tax on taxable usage or package-specific charges.
Master Tax Deduction Table (Rs. 100 to Rs. 3,000)
Recharge (Rs.) | Withholding Tax 15% | Sales Tax (19.5% model) | Estimated Usable Value |
100 | 13.04 | 14.19 | 72.77 |
150 | 19.57 | 21.28 | 109.15 |
200 | 26.09 | 28.38 | 145.53 |
250 | 32.61 | 35.47 | 181.92 |
300 | 39.13 | 42.57 | 218.30 |
400 | 52.17 | 56.76 | 291.07 |
500 | 65.22 | 70.95 | 363.83 |
600 | 78.26 | 85.14 | 436.60 |
750 | 97.83 | 106.42 | 545.75 |
1,000 | 130.43 | 141.90 | 727.67 |
1,500 | 195.65 | 212.84 | 1,091.50 |
2,000 | 260.87 | 283.79 | 1,455.34 |
2,500 | 326.09 | 354.74 | 1,819.17 |
3,000 | 391.30 | 425.69 | 2,183.01 |
The table assumes a 15% advance-tax calculation and a 19.5% tax-inclusive usage model. A larger recharge does not change the percentage under those assumptions. Actual amounts may differ by region, operator terms, package pricing, exemptions, and rounding.
Jazz Rs. 100 load balance after tax
A common question is how much value a Rs. 100 Jazz recharge provides. Under the standard 15% recharge calculation, the estimated credit is Rs. 86.96. If the 19.5% usage-tax model applies, the estimated spending value after tax on taxable usage is about Rs. 72.77. If you are picking a package, compare options in our guide to Jazz Monthly Packages.
Jazz vs Zong vs Telenor vs Ufone
The statutory advance income tax rate is generally the same across operators, but the applicable usage tax or FED, exemptions, and package treatment can depend on the customer’s region and the operator’s published terms. The table below is an illustrative comparison using a 15% recharge-tax calculation and a 19.5% usage-tax assumption, not a guarantee for every customer.
Network | Withholding Tax | Sales Tax (19.5% assumption) | Estimated Value on Rs. 100 |
Jazz | 15% | 19.5%* | Rs. 72.77* |
Zong | 15% | 19.5%* | Rs. 72.77* |
Telenor | 15% | 19.5%* | Rs. 72.77* |
Ufone | 15% | 19.5%* | Rs. 72.77* |
A note on Telenor: Telenor Pakistan was formally amalgamated into Pak Telecom Mobile Limited (PTML), the company operating Ufone, effective July 2026. This corporate change does not itself establish that every tax or package treatment is identical; customers should continue to check the current terms for their SIM and region.
For data deals on other networks, see our Zong Internet Offers page, and follow Pakistan Telecom Tax Updates for any rate changes after a new budget.
Watch out: If a shopkeeper or a website says one network has “no tax” or “less tax”, check the offer’s terms carefully. A promotional bonus may affect the balance you receive, but it does not change the statutory tax rate.
Balance Deductions That Are Not Tax
Sometimes your balance drops and tax is not the reason. These are the usual culprits.
- Emergency loans: The borrowed amount plus a service fee is taken from your next recharge.
- Value-added services: Daily tips, jokes, religious updates and news alerts often charge a small amount every day.
- Background data: Apps updating in the background can burn through pay-as-you-go data in minutes.
- Caller tunes: These renew on a schedule, even if you stopped enjoying the tune long ago.
- Auto-renewing packages: An old bundle can renew on its own and swallow a fresh recharge the same day.
- Pay as you go rates: With no active bundle, standard out-of-bundle rates may apply. Rates vary by operator, tariff, and service, so check the operator’s current official price plan rather than relying on a single nationwide voice or data rate.
Quick check: Dial 111 from a Jazz number or open the Jazz app or the official Jazz website to review active services and available account details. Charges and service-management options may vary; cancel only the services you do not use.
Tips to Get More From Every Recharge
- Activate a package right after recharging. Bundles give far more minutes and data than pay as you go.
- Use the reverse formula. Under the standard 15% recharge calculation, a target credit of Rs. 500 requires a recharge of about Rs. 575. Sales tax on usage and package-specific charges may still apply.
- Update apps on Wi-Fi only. Turn off auto-update on mobile data.
- Cancel services you do not use. Remove subscriptions and caller tunes.
- Think twice about emergency loans. The fee is small, but it quietly shrinks every recharge after it.
- Check the applicable tax rules and your FBR status. The 75% rate is not a blanket rate for all non-filers; it applies to persons specified in an Income Tax General Order under Section 114B. Check the current FBR order and seek tax advice if you are unsure.
Can Tax Filers Get Mobile Load Tax Back?
FBR’s withholding tax rate card lists tax collected under Section 236 as adjustable, subject to the applicable law and the taxpayer’s circumstances. This means eligible taxpayers may be able to claim the amount as a tax credit when filing a return; it is not an automatic refund, and the outcome depends on the return and final tax liability. Confirm your position with a qualified tax adviser if needed. official FBR clarification
Three practical points:
- Check your status on the Active Taxpayer List using the FBR website. Remember that ATL status alone does not determine whether the special 75% rate applies; the relevant Section 114B General Order must be checked.
- Keep a record of your recharges. Yearly totals are easy to underestimate.
- Being a filer does not necessarily reduce the amount deducted at recharge. The standard advance-tax collection rate remains 15% unless a specific legal exemption or other applicable provision applies.
Reality check: If Rs. 1,000 is recharged every month, the standard calculation gives about Rs. 130.43 in advance tax each month, or approximately Rs. 1,565.16 over 12 months. Whether and how this can be adjusted depends on your tax circumstances; it is not automatically refunded.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much balance do I get on a Rs. 100 Jazz load? Under the standard 15% advance-tax calculation, the estimated credit is Rs. 86.96. If the 19.5% usage-tax model applies, the estimated spending value after tax on taxable usage is about Rs. 72.77.
Is the load tax the same on Jazz, Zong, Telenor, and Ufone? The standard advance income tax rate is generally 15%, but usage tax or FED and exemptions can vary by region and operator terms. The table’s Rs. 72.77 figure is an estimate under the stated 19.5% usage-tax assumption.
Why is 15% tax Rs. 13.04 and not Rs. 15? In the standard recharge calculation, 15% is calculated on the credited amount. Rs. 100 ÷ 1.15 gives an estimated balance of Rs. 86.96 and tax of Rs. 13.04.
When is the usage tax charged? Sales tax or FED applies to taxable telecom services or package usage according to the applicable rules and operator terms. It may be reflected in package prices or usage charges rather than appearing as a separate deduction for every call, SMS, or data session.
How much should I load to get Rs. 500 balance? Under the standard 15% recharge calculation, recharge about Rs. 575 to receive an estimated Rs. 500 credit. Tax on usage and package-specific charges may still apply afterward.
Can I get my mobile load tax refunded? Section 236 advance tax is listed as adjustable in FBR’s withholding tax rate card, subject to the applicable law and your tax position. It is not refunded automatically simply because you file a return. Check your records and consult a qualified tax adviser about whether it can be adjusted or refunded in your circumstances.
Why does my balance drop when I am not using my phone? Auto-renewing packages, daily subscriptions, caller tunes, loan recovery, and background data are the common reasons.
Can the mobile load tax rate change? Yes. Rates and tax treatment can change through federal, provincial, or territorial legislation and official notifications. Check fbr.gov.pk, pta.gov.pk, and your operator’s current tax notices for updates.
Key Takeaways
- Two separate charges may apply: advance income tax at recharge and sales tax or FED on taxable usage. The usage-tax rate depends on the applicable rules and location.
- Rs. 100 recharge: estimated Rs. 86.96 credited under the standard 15% calculation; about Rs. 72.77 spending value only under the 19.5% usage-tax assumption.
- Under the stated 15% recharge-tax and 19.5% usage-tax assumptions, the estimated combined tax components total about Rs. 27.23 per Rs. 100 recharge.
- The standard advance income tax rate is generally the same across networks, but regional usage-tax treatment, exemptions, and package terms should be checked with each operator.
- Shortcuts: multiply by approximately 0.7277 for estimated spending value under the 19.5% usage-tax model, or by 1.15 to estimate the recharge needed for a target credited balance.
- Not every loss is tax: loans, subscriptions, and background data can drain your balance too.
Bookmark the calculator at the top of this page and check it before you recharge. Ten seconds can help you avoid a failed package activation. For current package prices and tax updates, keep an eye on Pakistan Telecom Tax Updates and our Jazz Monthly Packages section.
Disclaimer: This page gives estimates based on the 15% advance income tax listed by FBR for Tax Year 2027 and a 19.5% usage-tax model where that rate applies, checked against official information available in October 2026. Operator tax pages may differ by region, and actual balances can vary because of package terms, exemptions, rounding, and changes in law. This is general information, not tax advice.

