KARACHI/LAHORE: Member Inland Revenue (IR) Zubair Bilal has described the Aasan Tax Return Filing facility as one of the most liberal and trader-friendly tax initiatives introduced in decades, urging small traders and shopkeepers to take advantage of the opportunity to voluntarily enter the formal tax system. Speaking at an awareness and facilitation session on Aasan Tax Return Filing organised by the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Bilal said that during his 31 years of service, he has witnessed various schemes aimed at bringing traders into the tax system, but the latest initiative is particularly liberal and offered small traders a simpler way to regularise their tax affairs.

Bilal assured traders that they should not view the initiative with fear or suspicion. Instead, he said, it should be seen as an opportunity to become part of the documented economy through a simpler system supported by grievance redressal and facilitation mechanisms. He stressed that the objective should not be to force small traders into compliance through intimidation, but to explain the benefits of becoming part of the tax system for both traders and the country.

Drawing an analogy, he said that just as a child could not be encouraged to study by constantly standing over him with a stick, traders could not be sustainably brought into the tax system through coercion alone. They needed to be properly guided, facilitated and convinced of the advantages of compliance. Once traders understand the system and gained confidence in it, they will be more likely to voluntarily become part of the formal economy and contribute to its success, he added.He particularly encouraged shopkeepers and market representatives attending the session to spread awareness among fellow traders and persuade them to use the facility.

Bilal said that joining the formal tax system will provide traders with greater certainty and enable them to conduct their businesses with greater confidence.The Member IR also assured traders that a grievance redressal mechanism is available to address genuine difficulties. He said tax authorities will remain accessible and that complaints and concerns brought to their attention would be addressed. Highlighting Karachi's importance to the national exchequer, Bilal praised the city's business community for its contribution to revenue generation.

He said Karachi holds an exceptional position in the country's tax landscape, with a substantial share of tax revenue generated in the metropolis. He pointed out that even a single Large Taxpayers Office accounted for roughly one-third of the country's tax collection, while Karachi's overall contribution is even greater when collections through its other tax offices are included. He urged traders attending the KCCI session to act as ambassadors for the initiative in their respective markets and encourage fellow shopkeepers to understand and use the simplified tax-filing mechanism rather than remaining outside the tax system because of apprehensions or misconceptions.

Separately, Chief Commissioner Inland Revenue Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Fiza Batool on Tuesday urged small shopkeepers and retailers to benefit from the fixed tax scheme introduced under SRO 1166(I)/2026, saying the voluntary scheme is designed to facilitate small businesses. The scheme is aimed at bringing more small businesses into the documented economy by making taxation easier, more transparent and less burdensome, she added. She was speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), where she briefed the business community on the special procedure for small shopkeepers introduced through SRO 1166(I)/2026.

LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman said the use of digital technology and the introduction of an FBR application for the scheme are positive steps that can make compliance more convenient. He said the simplified system can encourage more small businesses to become part of the documented economy. Batool said eligible businesses under the scheme will be exempt from routine audits, point-of-sale (POS) integration and digital invoicing requirements.

Registered shopkeepers will also be provided with a green plate to facilitate inspections. She emphasised that the dignity and respect of businesspeople are important and said taxpayers should not face unnecessary harassment. She explained that special safeguards have been incorporated into the scheme, including the green plate system, under which field teams will generally not enter the premises of a registered business unless a major anomaly was identified.

In such cases, the relevant chamber will also be approached, she added.