The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has launched a dedicated Retailer Scheme App to make tax registration and return filing easier for small traders and shopkeepers, as the government steps up efforts to broaden Pakistan’s formal tax base and increase compliance.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, speaking at a press conference following the launch of the application at the FBR, said the government was committed to simplifying the tax return process for taxpayers, particularly small businesses and salaried individuals. He said the objective was to make compliance more convenient while encouraging more people and businesses to enter the formal tax system.
The finance minister said the newly introduced retailer scheme had been designed to provide small shopkeepers with a straightforward route into the tax net. According to him, the initiative was developed after consultations with traders and parliamentary committees, with the government seeking to establish a simple tax framework without unnecessary complications or harassment.
Muhammad Aurangzeb said small traders had repeatedly called for an easier income tax mechanism, adding that the new arrangement was intended to give shopkeepers greater confidence in registering with the tax authorities. He stressed that traders who opted for the scheme would not face harassment after registration.
The minister said expanding the tax base was essential for creating a sustainable tax system and bringing different segments of the economy into the formal sector. The new arrangement distinguishes between small retailers and larger businesses, while eligible traders will have the option of remaining under the regular tax regime or choosing the simplified scheme.
He encouraged shopkeepers to take advantage of the facility, saying the government’s approach to expanding the tax base was centred on facilitation and simpler compliance rather than imposing complicated procedures. He added that a broader consultation process was also underway with stakeholders to address concerns raised by the trade and business community and strengthen tax compliance.
Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Bilal Azhar Kayani said the retailer scheme had now moved from the consultation stage into implementation following the launch of the dedicated application. He said the scheme was initially announced on June 5, after which work began on developing the digital application and supporting facilities.
According to Bilal Azhar Kayani, consultations with traders continued for more than three months. The discussions were aimed at identifying shortcomings in previous initiatives and incorporating changes that could make the new framework more practical for small businesses.
Trader representatives, including Ajmal Baloch and Kashif Chaudhary, participated in these consultations and provided input on the requirements of shopkeepers. Bilal Azhar Kayani said their involvement helped shape a system designed to make registration and tax compliance easier for small retailers.
The application allows eligible retailers to complete registration and file tax returns through a simplified process. Retailers with annual turnover of up to Rs200 million can use the facility to become tax filers, expanding the potential reach of the scheme among small and medium-sized businesses.
The Asaan Tajir app is currently available through the Google Play Store and is offered in Urdu. Additional regional languages are expected to be introduced later, which could further improve access for traders who may face difficulties using tax applications in English.
Bilal Azhar Kayani also said traders who register under the scheme by the tax return filing deadline would receive a security-featured registration plate. Those who register after the deadline would also be provided with the plate, with its estimated cost capped at Rs1,500.
The minister said the initiative was intended to establish a balance between increasing participation in the tax system and keeping compliance costs manageable for small businesses. The digital application is expected to reduce procedural difficulties associated with registration and filing.
FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial said the application had been developed specifically for small traders and shopkeepers to make tax payment easier. Registered retailers will receive a bar-coded plate containing their taxpayer details, while tax officials will not be permitted to enter their business premises for investigations, according to the FBR chairman.
Trader representatives Ajmal Baloch and Kashif Chaudhary welcomed the initiative and described the retailer scheme as business-friendly and aligned with the needs of small traders. They said traders had been seeking a simplified tax mechanism for 27 years and expressed confidence that the new system would allow them to file returns without unnecessary hurdles.
The representatives also called for similar measures focused on transparency and facilitation across other government institutions. They assured the government of traders’ cooperation in improving tax compliance and supporting the broader objective of bringing more businesses into the formal economy.
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