PTA Tax Calculator - Calculate Your Mobile Tax Online Free

Q: How do I check my exact PTA tax?

The only way to get your exact PTA tax amount is to visit the official DIRBS portal at dirbs.pta.gov.pk. Once there, enter your phone's 15-digit IMEI number (you can get this by dialing *#06# on your phone) and complete the captcha verification. The system will instantly show you the precise tax amount you owe based on your phone's current customs value and your registration type. Our calculator above gives you a helpful estimate so you can plan ahead, but the official portal shows the final amount you'll actually pay. Always check there before making any payment.

Q: Why does my friend's phone cost less tax than mine?

There are several reasons why two phones might have different PTA tax amounts even if they look similar. First, different phone models have different customs values set by FBR. A newer model almost always costs more to register than an older one. Second, if your friend used passport registration while you used CNIC, they would have paid less because passport rates are about 15-20% lower. Third, tax filer status matters. If your friend is a registered tax filer and you're a non-filer, they pay lower withholding tax rates. Fourth, the phone's condition affects its valuation. A phone in mint condition might be valued higher than one with visible wear. All these factors combine to create different tax amounts for different people.

Q: Can I pay PTA tax in installments?

Yes, this changed recently and is good news for many phone buyers. Through partners like Alfa Mall under Bank Alfalah, you can now pay PTA tax in installments on select devices like iPhones and other premium smartphones. This means you don't have to pay the full tax amount upfront. Instead, you can spread the cost over several months. The specific terms, interest rates, and eligibility criteria vary by bank and by the device you're registering. I recommend checking directly with your bank's customer service or visiting their website to see if they offer this facility. Other banks may also introduce similar installment options, so it's worth asking around at HBL, UBL, Allied Bank, and others.

Q: What happens if I sell my phone later?

Once a phone is properly registered with PTA using CNIC registration, it stays registered forever. The registration is tied to the phone's IMEI number, not to you personally. This means if you sell your phone to someone else later, the new owner doesn't need to do anything. They can just insert their SIM and start using it normally. No additional taxes, no new registration, no paperwork. This is exactly why PTA-approved phones sell for significantly higher prices in the used market. Buyers know they're getting a phone that will work without any hidden costs or future surprises. If you're planning to sell your phone eventually, paying the CNIC tax now is an investment in its future resale value.

Q: Do I need to register both SIM slots?

Yes, absolutely. For dual-SIM phones, you must register both IMEI numbers separately. Each SIM slot has its own unique 15-digit IMEI number, and both need to be cleared in PTA's DIRBS system. Here's something dishonest that happens in the market: some sellers pay tax on only one IMEI slot to save money, then sell the phone claiming it's 'PTA approved.' The buyer discovers months later that their second SIM slot suddenly stops working because it was never registered. Always check both IMEIs separately before buying a used phone. Send each number to 8484 and see what comes back. If you're buying, test both SIM slots yourself. Put SIMs in both slots and make sure you can make calls from each one. This simple check protects you from sellers who cut corners.

Welcome to NewMobilePriceInPakistan.com. If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve either bought a phone from abroad or someone gifted you one, and now you’re trying to figure out how much tax you need to pay to PTA. I’ve been there myself, and I know how confusing it can get when you see different numbers on different websites.

That’s exactly why I built this calculator. Not because I wanted another tool on my website, but because I remember standing in a mobile market in Karachi trying to figure out whether the price someone quoted me included PTA tax or not. The seller kept saying “tax extra” and I had no idea what that actually meant in rupees.

So let me walk you through everything. Use the calculator below, and I’ll explain how it all works in plain language.

Table of Contents

PTA Mobile Tax Estimator 2026

Select Phone Brand

Phone Value (USD)

Use the current market value of your phone (used or new)

Registration Type

Passport (Lower Tax) CNIC (Higher Tax)

How PTA Tax Actually Works - A Simple Explanation

Let me be honest with you. When I first started looking into PTA tax, I found articles full of complicated terms like "C&F value" and "regulatory duty" and "withholding tax." My eyes glazed over. So I'm going to explain this the way I wish someone had explained it to me.

The Basic Idea

Think of it this way. When someone brings a phone from Dubai or America, that phone entered Pakistan without paying any import taxes. The government doesn't know it exists yet. But the moment you put a Pakistani SIM card in it, the phone talks to mobile towers and says "hello, I'm here." That's when PTA's system takes notice.

You then have 60 days from that first SIM insertion to pay the required taxes. If you don't, your phone gets blocked from all Pakistani networks. You'll still have Wi-Fi for WhatsApp and browsing, but your SIM slots become useless. No calls, no mobile data, no banking OTPs.

What You're Actually Paying For

The tax isn't one single fee. It's actually several different charges bundled together:

Customs duty is charged on the value of your phone above thirty dollars. So if your phone is worth two hundred dollars, you pay duty on one hundred seventy dollars.

Regulatory duty applies if your phone is worth more than three hundred fifty dollars. It's an additional fee.

Sales tax at eighteen percent is added to the total after all the duties are calculated.

Withholding tax depends on whether you're a tax filer or not. Filers pay less, non-filers pay more.

PTA's processing fee is a small fixed amount, usually a few hundred rupees.

The good news? Calculate all this yourself is not necessary. The DIRBS portal does it automatically when you enter your IMEI. My calculator above gives you a close estimate so you know what to expect before you go through the official process.

How to Use This Calculator

Using the calculator above is straightforward, but let me walk you through each step so you get the most accurate estimate.

Step 1: Select Your Phone Brand

This doesn't actually change the PTA tax calculation. The tax is based on value, not brand. I added this dropdown because people like seeing their phone's brand listed. Pick whatever feels right.

Step 2: Enter the Phone Value in USD

This is the most important part. You need to enter the current market value of your phone in US dollars. Not what you paid for it new, but what it's worth today.

For used phones, be honest with yourself. A two-year-old iPhone isn't worth the same as a brand new one. If you're not sure, check what similar phones sell for on international sites or ask in local mobile groups.

Step 3: Choose Registration Type

Passport gives you lower tax rates, but it's temporary. If you're visiting Pakistan or you're an overseas Pakistani with a NICOP, this is perfect for short stays.

CNIC costs more, but it's permanent. Once you pay, your phone stays approved forever, even if you change SIMs or move around.

Step 4: Click Calculate

The calculator will show you an estimated tax amount with a breakdown of base tax plus sales tax.

Step 5: Verify on DIRBS

This is crucial. My calculator gives estimates based on published tax tables. But the final amount on the official DIRBS portal is what you'll actually pay. Exchange rates change. Customs valuations get updated. Always check there before making payment.

How PTA Tax Rates Changed in 2026

Good news for phone buyers. In January 2026, the FBR issued a new valuation ruling that actually reduced taxes on many popular models. This doesn't happen often, so it's worth knowing about.

The new ruling lowered customs values on sixty-two different smartphone models. iPhones saw significant drops. Samsung flagships became cheaper to register. Google Pixel phones also got more affordable.

The reason? FBR recognized that phones lose value over time. Taxing an older iPhone the same as a new one shouldn't be fair. The new tables reflect actual market prices more accurately.

If you've been putting off registering a phone because the tax seemed too high, check again with my calculator. Your amount might have dropped substantially.

Passport vs CNIC - Which One Should You Choose?

This confuses a lot of people, so let me spell out the difference clearly.

Passport Registration

If you're an overseas Pakistani with a valid NICOP, or a foreign national visiting Pakistan, you can register your phone using your passport.

The good: You pay about fifteen to twenty percent less tax than CNIC users. The process is simple and can be done online or through the *8484# service.

The catch: It's temporary. You get sixty to one hundred twenty days depending on your visit duration. When that time ends, you either leave Pakistan with the phone or pay the full CNIC tax to keep using it permanently.

Best for: Short visits, people who travel frequently, anyone who doesn't plan to leave the phone in Pakistan long-term.

CNIC Registration

If you're a Pakistani citizen living in Pakistan, this is what you'll use.

The good: Once you pay, it's permanent. You never have to worry about it again. The phone stays approved even if you sell it to someone else later. Resale value stays higher.

The catch: You pay more. Sometimes significantly more, especially for expensive phones.

Best for: Permanent residents, people buying phones for long-term use, anyone who might sell the phone locally later.

What Phone Values Actually Mean

The tax calculation depends entirely on your phone's "C&F value" - that's Cost and Freight value in US dollars. But how do you know what number to use?

For Brand New Phones

If you just bought the phone abroad and have the receipt, use that amount in dollars. The customs officials will use the same receipt to determine value.

For Used Phones

This gets trickier. The FBR has standard depreciation tables they use. Generally:

· A phone less than six months old is valued near its original price

· Six months to one year old loses about twenty percent

· One to two years old loses about thirty to forty percent

· Older than two years is valued much lower

If You're Not Sure

Look up your phone model on international sites like Swappa or eBay. See what similar condition phones are selling for. Use that as your estimate.

Popular Phone Models – Estimated PTA Tax 2026

Here are estimated taxes for popular models based on current customs valuations :

iPhone Models

Model	Est. Value (USD)	Passport Tax (PKR)	CNIC Tax (PKR)
iPhone 16 Pro Max	$500	~32,500	~43,500
iPhone 16 Pro	$450	~21,000	~27,600
iPhone 16	$400	~21,000	~27,600
iPhone 15 Pro Max	$350	~14,400	~17,300
iPhone 15 Pro	$300	~14,400	~17,300
iPhone 15	$250	~11,300	~13,600
iPhone 14 Pro Max	$200	~11,300	~13,600
iPhone 13	$150	~11,300	~13,600

Samsung Galaxy Models

Model	Est. Value (USD)	Passport Tax (PKR)	CNIC Tax (PKR)
Galaxy S25 Ultra	$500	~32,500	~43,500
Galaxy S25+	$400	~21,000	~27,600
Galaxy S25	$350	~14,400	~17,300
Galaxy S24 Ultra	$300	~14,400	~17,300
Galaxy S23 Ultra	$250	~11,300	~13,600
Galaxy A55	$200	~11,300	~13,600
Galaxy A35	$150	~11,300	~13,600

Google Pixel Models

Model	Est. Value (USD)	Passport Tax (PKR)	CNIC Tax (PKR)
Pixel 9 Pro XL	$450	~21,000	~27,600
Pixel 9 Pro	$350	~14,400	~17,300
Pixel 9	$300	~14,400	~17,300
Pixel 8 Pro	$250	~11,300	~13,600
Pixel 8	$200	~11,300	~13,600
Pixel 7 Pro	$150	~11,300	~13,600

OnePlus & Other Brands

Model	Est. Value (USD)	Passport Tax (PKR)	CNIC Tax (PKR)
OnePlus 12	$400	~21,000	~27,600
OnePlus 12R	$300	~14,400	~17,300
Xiaomi 14 Ultra	$450	~21,000	~27,600
Xiaomi 14	$350	~14,400	~17,300
Tecno Camon 50 Pro	$250	~11,300	~13,600
Infinix Note 50	$200	~11,300	~13,600

Common Questions People Ask About PTA Tax

I've answered these questions so many times in comments and messages that I figured I'd put them all in one place.

How do I check my exact PTA tax?

The only way to get your exact tax amount is to visit dirbs.pta.gov.pk, enter your IMEI number, and see what the system shows. My calculator gives you an estimate to plan ahead, but the official portal is final.

Why does my friend's phone cost less tax than mine?

Several reasons. Different phones have different customs values. Newer models cost more to register than older ones. Passport registration is cheaper than CNIC. If your friend registered as a filer and you're a non-filer, that changes things too.

Can I pay PTA tax in installments?

Yes, this changed recently. Through partners like Alfa Mall under Bank Alfalah, you can now pay PTA tax in installments on select devices. Check with your bank to see if they offer this facility.

What happens if I sell my phone later?

Once a phone is properly registered on CNIC, it stays registered forever. The new owner doesn't need to do anything. This is why registered phones sell for higher prices in the used market.

Do I need to register both SIM slots?

Yes. For dual-SIM phones, you must register both IMEI numbers separately. Some sellers only pay tax on one slot to save money. Always check both IMEIs before buying a used phone.

How to Pay Your PTA Tax - Step by Step

Once you have your estimate and you're ready to pay, here's exactly what to do.

Step 1: Get Your IMEI Number

Dial *#06# on your phone. Write down the 15-digit number that appears. The dual-SIM phone will display two numbers. Write both.

Step 2: Check on DIRBS

Go to dirbs.pta.gov.pk. Enter your IMEI and complete the captcha. The system will show you your exact tax amount.

Step 3: Generate PSID

Below the amount, click "Generate PSID." A 12-digit number will appear. This is your payment ID. Write it down or take a screenshot.

Step 4: Make Payment

You have several options:

Mobile banking: Open your bank's app. Look for "Government Payments" or "Tax Payments." Enter your PSID and confirm.

ATM: Go to any HBL, National Bank, Allied, MCB, UBL, or Bank Alfalah ATM. Select "Bill Payments" or "Government Payments" and follow the instructions.

Bank branch: Take your PSID to any branch of these banks and tell the teller you need to pay PTA tax.

Step 5: Wait for Confirmation

Payment usually processes within 24 to 72 hours. You can check your status by re-entering your IMEI on the DIRBS portal. When it shows "Approved" or "Compliant," you're done.

Why You Shouldn't Buy JV or Patched Phones

I see people in markets being offered "JV phones" at tempting prices. An iPhone that should cost three hundred thousand rupees available for one fifty. It sounds too good to be true because it is.

What JV Phones Actually Are

These are phones from other countries, usually the US or Europe, that are locked to specific carriers. Sellers install a small chip or modify the software to trick the phone into accepting Pakistani SIMs.

The Problems

They stop working randomly. One iOS update can permanently kill your signal. You'll have no warning and no recourse.

Banking apps fail. Most patched phones can't run banking apps properly. JazzCash, HBL Mobile, Sadapay - they either don't work or crash constantly.

No warranty. The seller will disappear the moment you have problems. You're on your own.

PTA blocks them eventually. When the system detects a fake IMEI, the phone gets permanently blocked with no appeal possible.

Please don't do it. Taxes paid, phone cleaned, slumber peacefully.

Conclusions

Before buying a phone from abroad, people deserve to know what they're getting into. In Pakistan, PTA tax is just part of owning a phone. In a few minutes, you'll understand how it works.

Estimate your tax with the calculator above. For exact amounts, please refer to the official DIRBS portal. Use official channels to make payments. You should keep your receipt. Keeping your phone legal and working for years at a time will give you peace of mind.

Please reach out if I haven't answered your question. My aim is to help every comment and message I receive.