FBR reviews implementation as thousands of traders enter the tax system and officials address concerns over registration, returns and penalties.
The government’s Asan Tax Scheme has attracted 9,806 shopkeepers during its first month, reflecting growing participation from traders across Pakistan. The progress was reviewed during a meeting chaired by Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani on Friday.
The session examined the implementation of the scheme and discussed issues being reported by shopkeepers and their representatives. Officials said the registrations included traders from both smaller cities and major urban centres.
New Taxpayers Join System
According to the briefing, 1,929 registered shopkeepers have entered the formal tax system for the first time. Meanwhile, 428 traders have already submitted their tax returns under the initiative.
Kayani instructed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to resolve technical issues highlighted by shopkeepers and lawyers without delay. He also directed the department to provide FBR plates as soon as possible to traders who have completed their return filing.
The minister described the scheme as a dedicated facility for shopkeepers and encouraged more traders to register and fulfil their tax obligations through the simplified mechanism.
Daily FBR-Trader Coordination
The meeting agreed to establish regular daily communication between traders and FBR officials to address implementation-related difficulties. Officials will also continue engagement with tax bars and lawyers to improve understanding and execution of the scheme.
An Urdu-language information booklet has also been prepared to help shopkeepers understand the registration process, return filing requirements and penalties associated with missing the applicable deadlines.
Penalties for Late Compliance
Officials clarified that traders who fail to pay taxes under the Asan Tax Scheme or through the regular tax procedure after the deadline could face progressive penalties. The penalty will be Rs10,000 during the first month, increasing to Rs25,000 in the second month and Rs50,000 in the third month.
Trader representatives welcomed the initiative and assured the government of their cooperation. They noted, however, that greater awareness among shopkeepers would require additional time.
The meeting was attended by trader representatives Ajmal Baloch and Kashif Chaudhry, FBR officials and senior tax authorities.