Asan Tax Scheme brings nearly 10,000 shopkeepers into tax net

Nearly 10,000 shopkeepers have joined Pakistan's Asan Tax Scheme within a month of its launch, with hundreds already filing tax returns, officials said Friday. A review meeting chaired by Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani was told that 9,806 shopkeepers had registered and were at various stages of filing.

How many shopkeepers have joined the Asan Tax Scheme?

A total of 9,806 shopkeepers registered under the Asan Tax Scheme in its first month, according to officials briefing the review meeting. Of those, 1,929 were entering the tax system for the first time, and 428 had already filed their returns. The filers included traders from both small and major cities.

What is the Asan Tax Scheme for shopkeepers?

Kayani described the Asan Tax Scheme as a unique facility for shopkeepers that is not available to any other business segment. He said the government hoped more traders would join, adding that there was no longer any reason for shopkeepers to remain non-filers now that the scheme exists. Officials also directed the Federal Board of Revenue to resolve technical objections raised by shopkeepers and lawyers and to issue FBR plates to those who had already filed.

What are the penalties for missing the Asan Tax Scheme deadline?

Officials told the meeting that penalties would apply after the filing deadline to shopkeepers who fail to pay taxes under the scheme or through the regular filing procedure. A penalty of PKR 10,000 applies in the first month after the deadline, rising to PKR 25,000 in the second month and PKR 50,000 in the third. An Urdu-language booklet explaining the scheme, the previous filing procedure and the applicable penalties has also been issued.

How is the FBR engaging with traders on the new scheme?

The meeting decided that traders and FBR officials would maintain daily contact to support implementation, alongside increased engagement with tax bars and lawyers. Trader representatives, including Ajmal Baloch and Kashif Chaudhry, assured the meeting of their cooperation and called the scheme a positive measure, though they said it would take time to build awareness among shopkeepers. Tax commissioners briefed the meeting on their outreach to tax bars in their respective areas. The meeting was also attended by Member Strategic Transformation Dr. Hamid Atiq, Member Inland Revenue Operations Zubair Bilal and senior FBR officials.