Islamabad – The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has initiated crucial discussions with traders to address concerns surrounding the advance tax under the Tajir Dost Scheme.
The scheme, aimed at streamlining tax collection from business outlets and retail shops across the country, has met with resistance from the trading community, who are demanding significant changes to the current tax valuation tables.
In a meeting held at the FBR House on Tuesday, a joint committee comprising members from both the FBR and the traders’ community reviewed the valuation tables that are being used to determine the fixed monthly advance tax. The meeting was attended by key FBR officials, including the Chairman, the Member Inland Revenue Policy, and the Member Inland Revenue (Operations). On the traders’ side, notable participants included Ajmal Baloch, President of All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajran, and other prominent leaders such as Kashif Chaudhry and Sharjeel Mir.
The traders have expressed strong opposition to the existing valuation tables, urging the FBR to withdraw them. They argue that the current method of tax assessment is not only burdensome but also fails to reflect the ground realities of various businesses across different regions. In response, the FBR has asked the traders to propose alternative methods for tax collection that would be fair and feasible for both sides.
During the meeting, both parties reviewed the valuation tables of different cities and took note of the amendments proposed by the committee. This collaborative approach is seen as a positive step towards finding a mutually agreeable solution.
Chief Coordinator of the Tajir Dost Scheme, Naeem Mir, emphasized the importance of the scheme during a separate meeting with traders at the Central Secretariat on Tuesday. He stated that the Tajir Dost Scheme is a national project that must be implemented in letter and spirit, as the country’s economy heavily relies on tax collection. “There is no option other than implementing the Tajir Dost Scheme as the country cannot be run without collecting taxes,” Mir asserted.
Mir acknowledged the challenges faced by traders in paying taxes and pointed out that, prior to the launch of the Tajir Dost Scheme, no viable tax collection mechanism was in place. He highlighted the need for consensus among stakeholders and expressed optimism about the scheme’s successful implementation.
He further mentioned the introduction of the “Asaan” tax return form by the FBR, which offers an easy registration process for non-filer traders, urging them to take advantage of this opportunity. Mir concluded by stressing that the Prime Minister has directed the FBR to prioritize the justified demands of traders and to ensure they are fully facilitated, recognizing their essential role in the economy.
