FBR Offers Liberal Tax Facility to Small Traders, Urges Compliance
FBR has urged small traders and shopkeepers to use the Aasan Tax Return facility, describing it as a major opportunity to enter Pakistan’s formal tax system through a simpler process.
President Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Rehan Hanif presenting crest to Member Inland Revenue (IR) Zubair Bilal during his visit to KCCI. Senior Vice President Muhammad Raza, Vice President Muhammad Arif Lakhani, Chairman KCCI Federal Taxation Subcommittee Abu Bakar Siddique Ahmed Shamsi along with other members of the business community are also seen in the picture.
KARACHI: Member Inland Revenue (IR) Zubair Bilal has called the Aasan Tax Return Filing facility one of the most trader-friendly tax initiatives introduced in recent decades.
Speaking at an awareness and facilitation session at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), he urged small traders to take advantage of the facility. He also assured them of continued facilitation and grievance redressal.
FBR Seeks Voluntary Tax Compliance
Zubair Bilal said he had spent 31 years in tax administration. During this period, he had seen several initiatives aimed at bringing traders into the tax system.
However, he described the current facility as particularly liberal. According to him, it gives small traders an easier way to regularise their tax affairs.
He urged traders not to approach the initiative with fear. Instead, he said they should view it as an opportunity to become part of the documented economy.
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Authorities Promise Grievance Redressal
The Member IR assured participants that a grievance-redressal mechanism was available for genuine complaints.
He said tax officials would remain accessible to the business community. Moreover, he assured traders that legitimate concerns would be addressed through the relevant authorities.
Zubair Bilal stressed that sustainable tax compliance could not be achieved through pressure alone. Traders, he said, needed proper guidance and facilitation.
Karachi Plays Key Role in Tax Collection
During the session, Zubair Bilal highlighted Karachi’s contribution to Pakistan’s revenue collection.
He said the city holds an exceptional position in the country’s taxation system. He also praised Karachi’s business community for its significant contribution to the national exchequer.
According to the Member IR, even a single Large Taxpayers Office contributes roughly one-third of the country’s tax collection. Karachi’s overall contribution becomes larger when collections from its other tax offices are included.
He also praised Karachi as a diverse and hardworking metropolis. He said the city’s business community had earned his respect through its strong work ethic and contribution to the economy.
Tax Revenue Ultimately Serves Pakistan
Zubair Bilal also highlighted the importance of voluntary compliance.
He said taxpayers should understand that the revenue they contribute ultimately belongs to Pakistan. These resources are used for the country and its people.
Therefore, he said building trust between tax authorities and traders would be essential for the success of the Aasan Tax Return initiative.
He stressed that education, accessibility and confidence-building should remain central to the process.
QR Verification Added to the System
The Member IR also explained some of the verification features incorporated into the system.
These include QR Code-based verification. The feature allows taxpayers to check relevant documentation using their mobile phones.
According to Zubair Bilal, such measures can improve transparency. They can also give traders greater confidence when dealing with the tax system.
KCCI Session Draws Strong Trader Participation
The awareness session attracted a large number of small traders, shopkeepers and business representatives.
Vice Chairmen Businessmen Group (BMG) Anjum Nisar and Jawed Bilwani attended the session. KCCI President Muhammad Rehan Hanif, Senior Vice President Muhammad Raza and Vice President Muhammad Arif Lakhani were also present.
Chairman KCCI Federal Taxation Subcommittee Abu Bakar Siddique Ahmed Shamsi and other business community representatives also participated.
The session allowed traders to interact directly with senior tax officials. Participants discussed the simplified return-filing process and raised concerns about practical implementation.
Zubair Bilal urged the participants to act as ambassadors of the initiative. He asked them to share information with fellow traders and encourage them to use the simplified system.
He reiterated that tax authorities would continue working with the trading community. He also assured traders that genuine difficulties would receive appropriate attention and cooperation.
