ISLAMABAD, Oct 09 (APP): Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Friday said the government is making efforts to simplify tax procedures and facilitate retailers in fulfilling their tax obligations.
He emphasized that the scheme provides a simplified route for retailers to become part of the formal tax system and contribute to the country’s economic development.
The minister chaired a meeting to review progress on the retailers’ tax scheme and discuss measures to facilitate registration and broaden the tax base, said a press release issued by the Ministry of Finance.
The meeting was attended by the Minister of State for Finance, Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and senior FBR officials.
The meeting reviewed progress on registrations and tax returns under the scheme, including the participation of existing taxpayers and the applicable requirements for tax payments.
The finance minister emphasized the need to assess implementation experience and address operational matters to make it a success.
The meeting also discussed efforts to identify and map unregistered retailers through available data and relevant identification records.
The FBR briefed the meeting on data validation and the need to ensure that registration records accurately reflect the businesses concerned.
Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb emphasized a balanced approach combining taxpayer facilitation in targeted and well-documented way.
Emphasizing the scheme’s longer-term purpose, the finance minister noted that the Retailers’ Tax Scheme should not be viewed as a one-year arrangement limited to 2026.
It is intended to provide a simplified route for small retailers to enter and remain within the formal tax system in the years ahead. The meeting further reviewed filing procedures, deadlines and related operational matters.
The meeting reaffirmed the importance of making tax compliance simpler and more accessible for small retailers while progressively documenting economic activity and broadening the tax base.
The finance minister emphasized that sustained progress would require effective facilitation and consistent approach.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
