Govt launches mobile app for small traders’ tax scheme

Dawn reported that the government launched a mobile app on Wednesday for its Fixed Tax Asaan Scheme, letting smaller retailers and shopkeepers submit their returns digitally. The scheme was unveiled ahead of the federal budget and targets traders with annual turnover of up to Rs200 million. Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani called the launch the practical start of a project that had been in development for several months.

Kayani noted that the application offers a plain Urdu form and is available on the Google Play Store, which now displays an Asaan Tajir icon. Registration generates a PSID that lets traders pay through the app, after which they are notified of their scheme status. Participants are given the plate in digital form, and a printed copy will follow from the local office in two weeks.

According to Kayani, FBR staff are barred from entering a plate-displaying shop to question its owner on tax matters. Under the scheme, tax payable is one per cent of declared sales minus withholding tax, with a minimum of Rs25,000. Current filers may also benefit if sales stayed within Rs200 million across the previous three years, with a minimum liability matching last year's payment.