IR Member spells out Aasan Tax return filing benefits

According to Business Recorder, Member Inland Revenue (IR) Zubair Bilal described the Aasan Tax Return Filing facility as among the most generous measures of its kind in decades. Speaking at a session on the scheme hosted by the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), he encouraged small traders and shopkeepers to make use of it and bring their businesses into the documented tax net.

Bilal said that over his 31 years of service he had seen several schemes designed to bring merchants into the tax net, but this one was far more liberal and gave a simpler route to put their tax matters in order. He told traders there was no reason to approach the scheme with fear, adding that a grievance mechanism was available for genuine difficulties. He said compliance should come through guidance and persuasion rather than intimidation, comparing it to a child who will not learn under constant threat of punishment.

Highlighting Karachi's role in national revenue, he said a single Large Taxpayers Office brings in roughly one-third of tax collection, with the city's other offices adding further. He also explained that the system includes QR Code-based checks, letting taxpayers verify documents on their mobile phones. He urged traders at the session to act as ambassadors in their markets.