Govt unveils simplest-ever tax scheme for small shopkeepers

August 25, 2026 (MLN): The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) held a follow-up awareness session on the Small Shopkeepers Scheme at its headquarters in Islamabad, with Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani engaging traders and other participants both in person and virtually.

The session focused on the key features of the Retailer Scheme, including simplified registration, flexible payment options and an operational framework aimed at making tax compliance easier for small retailers.

Addressing the participants, Bilal Azhar Kayani described the initiative as the simplest scheme introduced in the country's history and said it had been developed in line with the vision and instructions of the Prime Minister.

He termed it a significant opportunity for traders to become part of the formal economy, fulfill their national responsibilities and contribute to economic growth.

FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial reaffirmed the government's commitment to facilitating small shopkeepers, highlighting that retailers can register under the scheme and discharge their tax liability by paying a 1% turnover tax.

He said registered retailers would receive maximum facilitation, while green plates issued under the scheme would help protect compliant businesses from unnecessary scrutiny by tax officials. He added that action under the law would be taken against traders who remain unwilling to comply.

Participants were also given a live demonstration of FBR's digital system, including the dedicated web portal and mobile applications available for iOS and Android.

A question-and-answer session was held to address concerns regarding registration and tax calculation.

Trade representatives welcomed the simplified digital process and reiterated their support for the scheme.

The session was attended by senior FBR officials and representatives of the trader community, including Ajmal Baloch, President of the All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajiran, and Muhammad Kashif Chaudhary, President of Markazi Tanzeem-e-Tajiran Pakistan.

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