Traders urged to opt for new tax regime

Yasmeen Fatima, Chief Commissioner of the Regional Tax Office (RTO) Islamabad, has called on retailers and small shopkeepers to sign up for the government's Simplified Income Tax Regime, also called the Asaan Tajir Scheme, and to lodge their returns before the September 30, 2026 deadline. Speaking at an interactive session at the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Monday, she said the initiative aims to make taxation simpler, prompt voluntary compliance and draw more firms into the formal sector.

She described the scheme as a positive, friendly step for businesses and called for trust, cooperation and easier facilitation to replace the traditional gap of fear between taxpayers and tax officials. Under the simplified system, businesses earning as much as Rs200 million a year in turnover may join the simplified regime, paying a minimum yearly tax of Rs25,000. Traders who meet the set requirements remain free of audit, and she said the scheme gives small traders more certainty about their obligations.

She added that registration has been simplified, with the form now available in Urdu and sign-up possible through the Tax Asaan App, while traders needing help can approach tax officials directly. The chief commissioner also highlighted the amnesty provision and the absence of audits, urging businesses to see the scheme in a positive light and take up the opportunity.