ISLAMABAD: The government, in its efforts to include retailers in the Tajir Dost Scheme, has decided to grant an additional week for the submission of a comprehensive proposal regarding the registration and taxation of traders under the scheme, as the initial deadline was not met.
Despite the offered incentives, only 75 retailers have registered for the Tajir Dost Scheme before the deadline of April 30, 2024. The retailers have rejected the government’s offers, as they are aware that the enforcement of tax laws against tax evaders is not effective. In an attempt to save face and satisfy the IMF, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has now re-engaged with the retailers ahead of the upcoming budget. However, based on the failure of previous retailer schemes over the past three decades, it is likely that this ongoing scheme will face the same fate. The FBR lacks the necessary political will to enforce tax laws against tax evaders, and without a more persuasive approach, the desired results will not be achieved.
In an official announcement made by the FBR on Friday, it was revealed that a crucial meeting took place at the FBR headquarters. The meeting involved representatives from various trade unions in Pakistan, including Naeem Mir, the Chief Coordinator of the Tajir Dost Scheme, and other senior officials from the FBR.
During the meeting, the FBR officials and the Chief Coordinator of the Tajir Dost Scheme agreed to take into account the reservations and recommendations of the trade community. They have requested a unified proposal within one week regarding the registration and taxation of traders under the scheme.
Furthermore, the FBR has urged trade unions to cooperate with the government in facilitating the registration of traders under the Tajir Dost Scheme.
