Overview
- The government launched the Fixed Tax (Asaan) Scheme on Friday, June 5, offering a voluntary 1% turnover tax for retailers with annual sales up to Rs200 million.
- Eligible traders can join by submitting a one-page declaration available in Urdu and regional languages and will receive an FBR compliance plate with a QR code for public verification.
- Participants must deposit a minimum Rs25,000 when filing, may adjust previously deducted withholding taxes against the liability, and will be exempt from point-of-sale requirements and routine audits with limited, risk-based audit exceptions.
- Officials told the IMF they expect roughly Rs50 billion in revenue and aim to register about 3–4 million traders, but business groups say real yields hinge on clear procedures and consistent enforcement.
- The scheme was redesigned after the failed 2023 Tajir Dost effort to favour incentives over compulsion, and trader bodies welcomed the offer while warning that plate issuance, QR verification and protection from arbitrary inspections will determine uptake.