Government says simplified digital registration and flexible compliance will help bring small retailers into the documented economy.
ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani has described the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) Small Shopkeepers Scheme, also known as the Retailer Scheme, as one of the simplest tax initiatives introduced in Pakistan’s 79-year history.
Speaking at a follow-up awareness meeting at FBR Headquarters in Islamabad, Kayani said the scheme had been designed to simplify registration and tax compliance for small retailers while providing flexible payment options and a tailored operational framework.
The meeting was attended by participants both physically and virtually through Zoom and followed the official launch of the scheme last week.
Kayani said the initiative had been prepared in line with the vision and directions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, describing it as an opportunity for traders to fulfil their tax obligations and contribute to strengthening the national economy.
Small retailers to pay 1% turnover tax
FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial endorsed the initiative and said small shopkeepers could register under the scheme and meet their tax liability by paying a 1% turnover tax.
He assured traders that the government would provide maximum facilitation to registered retailers.
Langrial said registered shopkeepers would receive green plates, which he described as a safeguard against unnecessary scrutiny by tax officials.
However, he warned that traders who failed to cooperate with tax authorities would face legal action under the applicable laws.
FBR showcases digital registration system
Participants were given a live demonstration of the FBR’s digital ecosystem developed for the Retailer Scheme.
The demonstration covered the scheme’s dedicated web portal and mobile applications available for iOS and Android devices.
The session also included a question-and-answer segment, during which participants sought clarification on registration procedures and tax calculations.
Trade representatives welcomed the digital tools and simplified procedures introduced under the scheme. They also reaffirmed their participation in consultations with the government and expressed support for the initiative’s objective of making tax compliance easier for small retailers.
Trade leaders attend awareness session
The awareness meeting brought together senior FBR officials and representatives of major trader organisations.
Those attending included Ajmal Baloch, President of the All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajiran, and Muhammad Kashif Chaudhary, President of the Markazi Tanzeem-e-Tajiran Pakistan.
The government has positioned the Small Shopkeepers Scheme as a mechanism to bring small retailers into the documented economy through simplified registration and tax compliance procedures.
The latest awareness session forms part of efforts to familiarise traders with the scheme’s digital registration system, tax calculation mechanism and compliance requirements.