Asaan Tax Scheme draws nearly 10,000 shopkeepers in first month

Mettis Global reported that nearly 10,000 shopkeepers have signed up for the Asaan Tax Scheme within its first month, and 428 of them have already filed returns. The details emerged at a review meeting on Friday, chaired by Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani. Of the 9,806 registrants, 1,929 are entering the tax net for the first time.

Kayani asked the Federal Board of Revenue to settle technical objections raised by shopkeepers and lawyers quickly, and to issue FBR plates to those who have already filed without delay. He called the scheme a facility open only to shopkeepers and said its launch leaves traders no reason to stay outside the tax net. The meeting agreed on daily contact between traders and FBR officials, along with wider engagement with tax bars and lawyers.

Officials told the meeting that late payers will face penalties of Rs10,000 in the first month after the deadline, Rs25,000 in the second month and Rs50,000 in the third, whether they file under the scheme or the regular procedure. An Urdu-language booklet explaining the new filing process and the earlier procedure has also been released. Trader representatives pledged full cooperation but said building awareness among shopkeepers will take time.