FBR says small shopkeeper tax scheme in early implementation phase

The Federal Board of Revenue said on Tuesday that the Special Tax Scheme for Small Shopkeepers is in its initial implementation phase, during which the board says it is working to facilitate traders and address practical and technical issues arising from the registration process.

In a news release, the FBR said the government and the board remain in continuous contact with traders, market representatives and trade bodies to ensure the scheme is implemented in what it described as a smooth, transparent and trader-friendly manner. Feedback received from the business community is being considered, and the board said efforts are under way to resolve genuine difficulties reported by traders.

The FBR advised traders who encounter technical difficulty while registering under the scheme to approach the board directly for assistance and guidance. It said it is committed to providing the necessary facilitation so that eligible traders can complete registration without unnecessary difficulty.

The board said the scheme is intended to give small shopkeepers an opportunity to enter the documented tax system through a simplified and facilitative framework. According to the FBR, it has been designed to encourage voluntary compliance and to offer small traders greater certainty and ease of doing business.

The FBR expressed confidence that, with continued cooperation from the trading community and trade bodies, the scheme will meet its intended objectives and prove a successful initiative for the business community. No registration figures, revenue targets or deadlines were given in the statement.