The simplified tax initiative offers online Urdu registration, a one-percent turnover tax and relief from routine FBR visits, audits and POS requirements.
Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani has briefed Karachi’s business community on the operationalization of the Asaan Tax Scheme, aimed at simplifying tax compliance for shopkeepers while bringing more businesses into the formal tax network.
Kayani visited the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), where he held a detailed meeting with representatives of traders, industrialists and shopkeepers. Representatives from trade associations in Karachi, Hyderabad and Sukkur also participated in the session.
The minister said the Asaan Tax Scheme was introduced in response to demands from traders and shopkeepers for a simpler and more convenient taxation system. To facilitate implementation, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and trade bodies have appointed focal persons in different regions to address issues and support businesses.
Under the scheme, shopkeepers can complete a simplified registration process online through an Urdu-language form. Registered retailers will pay a streamlined tax of one percent of their declared annual sales turnover. Any tax deducted through utility bills will remain fully adjustable against their tax liability.
The initiative also provides several compliance-related facilities to participating retailers. Registered shopkeepers will receive a green registration plate from the FBR, with its display intended to prevent routine visits by FBR personnel for questioning.
The scheme further provides that enrolled shopkeepers will generally remain outside the scope of audits. They will also not be required to install Point of Sale (POS) systems or perform withholding-agent responsibilities.
To strengthen engagement with the business community, Kayani announced that senior FBR officials would spend one week every month in Karachi under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directives. The officials will focus on resolving business-related complaints and providing on-the-spot facilitation to traders.
The initiative, launched in August, is expected to continue regularly as part of the government’s efforts to improve taxpayer facilitation and expand the tax base.
KCCI and representatives of trade organizations appreciated Kayani’s continued engagement with the business community and welcomed government efforts to address challenges faced by retailers and other businesses.