Officials to visit markets with traders’ representatives from October 2 and brief shopkeepers on tax filing

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) will begin nationwide mapping of markets and individual shops from October 2 as part of efforts to implement the Easy Tax Scheme for shopkeepers.

Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani directed the FBR to carry out the exercise in coordination with representatives of the business community during a review meeting on the scheme.

He instructed FBR officials to visit markets jointly with traders’ representatives according to a daily schedule and map individual markets and shops. Officials will also brief shopkeepers on the Easy Tax Scheme during their visits.

The meeting was informed that a technical issue concerning the “Other Income” column in tax returns, which had been highlighted by traders, has been resolved.

Kayani said shopkeepers had been offered a tax scheme according to their preferences, leaving no justification for avoiding the filing of tax returns. He added that the penalties had also been introduced following consultation with traders.

The minister urged shopkeepers to use the 15-day extension granted for filing tax returns. After the extended deadline, defaulters will face a fine of Rs10,000 in the first month, Rs25,000 in the second month and Rs50,000 in the third month.

The meeting reviewed progress on the Easy Tax Scheme and decided to continue holding review sessions to monitor implementation.

Trader leaders Ajmal Baloch, Kashif Chaudhry and Habib Fakhruddin attended the meeting.

Member Strategic Transformation Dr Hamid Atiq, Member Inland Revenue Operations Zubair Bilal and senior FBR officials, along with chief commissioners and commissioners from across the country, participated through video link.