ISLAMABAD: Another round of discussions between the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and traders’ associations regarding the Tajir Dost Scheme has ended without any agreement, sources said.
The traders once again rejected the tax valuation table proposed by the FBR. Despite the deadlock, both sides agreed to continue negotiations.
Sources close to the situation revealed that the traders warned of another strike and protests if the talks do not lead to a favorable resolution. Recently, the traders had observed a nationwide strike against the Tajir Dost scheme and the burden of heavy electricity bills.
Ajmal Baloch, President of the All Pakistan Traders Association Sindh, criticized the FBR, claiming it lacks the competence to make people tax return filers.
The Tajir Dost Scheme, launched in March 2024, is a voluntary tax collection initiative aimed at bringing unregistered businesses into Pakistan’s existing tax system, as required by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The scheme is expected to generate Rs 400 to 500 billion annually for the national exchequer. The FBR has urged all unregistered wholesalers, retailers, dealers, and shopkeepers to register under the scheme by April 30, 2024, emphasizing that those already registered do not need to do so again.
