The federal government has launched a new tax scheme for small shopkeepers, with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb assuring traders that they will not be harassed by tax officials, reported the 24NewsHD TV channel on Wednesday.
Speaking at a press conference alongside Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, the finance minister said the scheme had been developed in consultation with trader representatives to make taxation easier and simpler for small businesses.
Aurangzeb said bringing all sections of society into the tax system was essential for it to function effectively.
He added that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL) had worked to simplify the process for small shopkeepers.
Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani said small shopkeepers would be able to file their tax returns and pay taxes through a mobile phone application.
Under the scheme, eligible small traders will also receive an exemption from the point-of-sale system and be issued a green registration plate.
Kayani said FBR officials would not enter a shop displaying the green plate, providing registered traders with protection from routine visits.
Small shopkeepers will have to pay a minimum annual tax of Rs25,000 to qualify for the scheme.
The scheme is available to businesses that have not recorded annual sales exceeding Rs200 million in any of the past three years.