Shopkeepers who do not register under Pakistan’s Easy Tax Scheme could face financial penalties. Those who skip regular tax filing may also be fined.
The issue was discussed during a review meeting chaired by Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani. The meeting reviewed progress under the Easy Tax Scheme.
According to the briefing, shopkeepers have two options to remain compliant with tax requirements. They can register under the Easy Tax Scheme or use the existing tax filing system.
Under the Easy Tax Scheme, eligible businesses pay tax according to their turnover. Shopkeepers can instead submit their tax returns through the regular system.
Those who choose neither option could face penalties after the filing deadline. The fines will increase with each month of delay.
The penalty will be Rs. 10,000 during the first month after the deadline. It will increase to Rs. 25,000 during the second month.
If the return remains unfiled into the third month, the penalty will reach Rs. 50,000. The amounts were shared during the review meeting.
Minister Bilal Azhar Kayani directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and relevant authorities to assist shopkeepers. Officials were asked to facilitate the filing process.
The minister also instructed authorities to ensure timely issuance of FBR plates. The direction aims to reduce delays for businesses joining the tax system.
The government introduced the Easy Tax Scheme as an alternative for eligible shopkeepers. The scheme allows them to pay taxes based on business turnover.
The meeting was informed that 9,806 shopkeepers joined the scheme during its first month. Among them, 1,929 were new taxpayers.
These new taxpayers had not previously been registered within the tax system. Their participation represents an expansion of the documented taxpayer base.
The briefing also provided an update on tax return filing. So far, 428 registered shopkeepers have submitted their returns.
Other participants are reportedly at different stages of the filing process. Authorities are continuing efforts to help them complete the required procedures.
The government has also issued an Urdu-language information booklet. The booklet explains the Easy Tax Scheme and the existing tax filing process.
It also provides information about penalties for missing the filing deadline. The material is intended to help taxpayers understand their responsibilities.
The briefing noted participation from businesses in both large and smaller cities. This indicates that the scheme is being used across different urban areas.
The FBR and relevant authorities are expected to continue providing assistance to participants. Their role includes helping businesses understand registration and filing requirements.
Shopkeepers who have already joined the scheme can complete their remaining filing requirements. Those outside the scheme can use the regular tax return system.
The penalty structure applies when taxpayers fail to use either available option. It is therefore important for businesses to meet the applicable filing requirements within the specified timeframe.
The government has emphasized facilitation alongside enforcement under the scheme. Officials have been directed to help businesses complete their registration and tax filing processes.
The latest review also highlighted the number of new taxpayers joining the system. Further progress will depend on continued registration and timely filing by participating businesses.
For Shopkeepers, the scheme provides an alternative to the existing tax filing process. Those who do not use either option may face increasing penalties.
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The maximum penalty mentioned during the meeting is Rs. 50,000. This amount applies when the return remains unfiled into the third month after the deadline.
