The Chief Coordinator of the Tajir Dost Scheme, Naeem Mir, announced that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) will issue an amended SRO 1064 to address the concerns and demands of traders. The announcement was made during a news conference held at Circuit House on Monday evening, where Mir was accompanied by Chief Commissioner Inland Revenue, Sajid Tasleem Azam, and the focal person for the scheme, Ahmad Hassan. The amendments aim to facilitate traders and ensure their full cooperation with the Tajir Dost Scheme.
Trader Concerns and Amendments to SRO 1064
During the awareness session with trader representatives from the Multan division, traders openly expressed their concerns about the Tajir Dost Scheme. One of the primary objections raised by the traders was related to the tax valuation table of the scheme. In response to these concerns, Naeem Mir confirmed that SRO 1064 would be amended accordingly.
Mir emphasized that the FBR and the government are committed to addressing the genuine concerns of traders. However, he made it clear that they would not support non-filers under any circumstances, as the burden of tax avoidance ultimately falls on the salaried class.
Formation of a Committee for Tax Evaluation
To ensure fairness in tax evaluation, a new procedure is being developed, which includes the formation of a committee at the commissioner level. This committee will include local representatives of traders and will be responsible for deciding the tax amounts for different areas and markets. The committee will also take into consideration the income levels of traders in specific areas or markets to determine appropriate tax amounts.
Mir assured that only those traders who are earning an income will be required to pay taxes, reinforcing the scheme’s goal of promoting tax compliance among the business community.
Involvement of Trader Organizations and Future Consultations
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has instructed that consultations with traders be held at every level. In line with this directive, the Chairman of the FBR has invited trader representatives to a meeting at 3 PM tomorrow to discuss the amendments to SRO 1064. The FBR is keen on including the input of trader organizations in the revised SRO to ensure that it meets the needs of the business community.
Additionally, Mir announced that a simple Urdu tax return form will be issued to simplify the tax filing process for traders. He reassured that all objections to the scheme have been resolved, leaving no justification for any strike against the scheme. He acknowledged that peaceful protest is a constitutional and legal right, but emphasized that there should be a valid reason for it.
Commitment to Dialogue and Cooperation
Naeem Mir highlighted the importance of respecting traders and recognizing their role as the driving force of the state. He called on trader representatives to bring forward alternative suggestions if the current scheme is not acceptable and assured them that every feasible suggestion will be welcomed.
Mir concluded by stating that dialogue is the only way forward and urged trader representatives to participate generously in the negotiation process. He reaffirmed that no illegal actions or mistreatment will be taken against any trader and emphasized that cooperation between traders and the government is essential for the success of the Tajir Dost Scheme.
The FBR’s decision to amend SRO 1064 of the Tajir Dost Scheme reflects its commitment to addressing the concerns of traders while promoting tax compliance. With the formation of a committee for tax evaluation and ongoing consultations with trader organizations, the government aims to create a fair and transparent tax system that benefits both traders and the state.
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