The government has warned shopkeepers that those who fail to file their tax returns under the Easy Tax Scheme after the prescribed deadline will face penalties of Rs. 10,000 in the first month, Rs. 25,000 in the second month, and Rs. 50,000 in the third month.
The development was shared during a review meeting on the Easy Tax Scheme for shopkeepers, chaired by Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani. Officials informed the meeting that 9,806 shopkeepers had joined the scheme within one month of its launch, including 1,929 new taxpayers who had not previously been part of the tax system.
So far, 428 shopkeepers have filed their returns under the scheme, with participants registered from both small and large cities across Pakistan. Officials said shopkeepers who fail to pay taxes under the Easy Tax Scheme or through the regular procedure after the deadline will be subject to the applicable penalties.
Kayani directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL) to immediately resolve technical issues raised by shopkeepers and tax lawyers regarding implementation of the scheme. He also ordered authorities to issue FBR plates to shopkeepers who have already filed their returns.
The minister said the Easy Tax Scheme was specifically designed for shopkeepers and urged traders to take advantage of the facility. He said the scheme removes the justification for shopkeepers to remain non-filers.
The meeting also directed traders and FBR officers to maintain daily communication to resolve implementation-related issues. Engagement with tax bars and lawyers will also be strengthened to improve awareness and address concerns.
An Urdu-language information booklet has been issued explaining the Easy Tax Scheme, the existing return-filing procedure and penalties applicable after the deadline. Trader representatives welcomed the initiative but said additional time would be needed to create awareness among shopkeepers about the new system.
Trader representatives assured the FBR of their cooperation in implementing the scheme, while tax officials briefed the meeting on their engagement with tax bars across different jurisdictions.
