The federal government has announced new tax relief for traders and shopkeepers under the Aasaan Tax Scheme. The scheme aims to make tax payments easier and simpler.
Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani announced the measures for Karachi’s business community on August 30.
He said the scheme would make the tax system easier for traders. It would also encourage more businesses to register with the tax system.
Participating shopkeepers will pay 1% tax on the value of goods they sell each year.
Registered shops to get green plates
The scheme also includes a special green registration plate for registered businesses.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) will issue these plates to shopkeepers who join the scheme.
According to Bilal Azhar Kayani, businesses displaying the green registration plate will generally not face routine audits.
This measure will provide relief to traders who register under the new tax scheme.
Shopkeepers who join the scheme will also not have to work as withholding agents.
The government has also taken steps to improve communication between traders and tax authorities.
Focal persons from the FBR and the business community have been appointed. They will help traders resolve problems related to the scheme.
In addition, FBR officials will be available in Karachi for one week every month. Traders will be able to contact them for assistance and discuss tax issues.
PTBA raised concerns over problems with FBR’s IRIS portal
Previously, the Pakistan Tax Bar Association (PTBA) had urged the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to fix technical problems affecting its IRIS portal. The portal is used by taxpayers to file their income tax returns online.
The PTBA had warned that these technical issues were making it difficult for taxpayers to submit their returns for Tax Year 2026.
According to the association, the Tax Year 2026 return was uploaded to the IRIS portal on July 27. It said this was later than the timeline provided under the Income Tax Rules.
The PTBA said the delay had already reduced the time available to taxpayers and tax professionals to complete their legal filing requirements.
Read more: PTBA urges FBR to fix IRIS portal problems