ISLAMABAD: The government has announced financial penalties of up to Rs. 50,000 for shopkeepers who fail to register under the Easy Tax Scheme or file their tax returns through the existing tax system.
The decision was discussed during a review meeting chaired by Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani on Friday. The meeting reviewed the progress of the Easy Tax Scheme and measures to bring more shopkeepers into the formal tax system. (ProPakistani)
According to the details presented at the meeting, shopkeepers who do not file their tax returns after the deadline will face increasing penalties. A fine of Rs. 10,000 will be imposed during the first month after the deadline, rising to Rs. 25,000 in the second month and Rs. 50,000 in the third month.
The government has provided shopkeepers with two options to comply with tax requirements. They can either register under the Easy Tax Scheme, under which tax is calculated according to turnover, or submit their tax returns through the existing tax-filing system.
Minister Bilal Azhar Kayani directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and relevant authorities to facilitate shopkeepers in filing their returns and obtaining FBR registration plates without unnecessary delays.
The meeting was informed that 9,806 shopkeepers had joined the Easy Tax Scheme during its first month. Of these, 1,929 were new taxpayers who had not previously been part of the tax system. Meanwhile, 428 registered shopkeepers had already filed their returns, while others were still completing the filing process. (ProPakistani)
To increase awareness, the government has also issued an Urdu-language information booklet explaining the Easy Tax Scheme, the existing tax-filing procedure and the penalties applicable to those who fail to meet the requirements.
Officials said participation in the scheme has been reported from both large and small cities, as the government continues efforts to expand the tax base and encourage shopkeepers to comply with tax regulations.
The new penalty structure is intended to encourage timely tax compliance while providing shopkeepers with multiple options to become part of the formal tax system.
