ISLAMABAD, September 25 — Nearly 10,000 shopkeepers have registered under the Asan Tax Scheme within its first month, including almost 2,000 entering the tax system for the first time, officials said on Friday.
The latest figures were shared at a review meeting chaired by Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, where officials assessed the scheme’s progress and trader representatives raised concerns over its implementation.
According to the briefing, 9,806 shopkeepers have joined the Asan Tax Scheme since its launch and are at various stages of filing their tax returns.
Of those registered, 1,929 are entering the tax system for the first time, while 428 shopkeepers have already filed their returns. Officials said businesses from both smaller towns and major cities were among those submitting returns.
Kayani directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to immediately address technical issues raised by shopkeepers and lawyers regarding implementation of the scheme.
He also instructed authorities to provide FBR plates to shopkeepers who have filed their returns at the earliest.
Kayani described the Asan Tax Scheme as a facility developed specifically for shopkeepers and said it was not available to other business segments.
He expressed hope that participation would continue to increase, arguing that the simplified mechanism provided shopkeepers with an opportunity to move into the formal tax system.
The meeting decided that traders and FBR officials would maintain daily contact to resolve implementation issues. Engagement with tax bars and lawyers will also be increased to improve awareness and address concerns.
Officials informed participants that an Urdu-language information booklet had been issued explaining the Asan Tax Scheme, the previous procedure for filing returns and penalties applicable after the deadline.
The briefing also outlined a phased penalty structure for shopkeepers who fail to pay taxes under either the Asan Tax Scheme or the regular procedure after the deadline.
A penalty of Rs10,000 would apply during the first month after the deadline, rising to Rs25,000 in the second month and Rs50,000 in the third month, according to officials.
Trader representatives assured the government of their cooperation and described the scheme as a positive initiative, while noting that greater awareness among shopkeepers would take time.
Tax commissioners also briefed the meeting on engagement with tax bars in their respective jurisdictions.
Trader leaders Ajmal Baloch and Kashif Chaudhry, FBR Member Strategic Transformation Dr Hamid Atiq, Member Inland Revenue Operations Zubair Bilal and other senior officials attended the meeting.
Chief commissioners and commissioners from across the country participated through video link.