ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Finance has finalized a mobile application aimed at simplifying the registration process for retailers under the government’s fixed tax scheme, according to official sources.
The initiative is part of the government's broader strategy to expand the tax base, improve documentation of businesses, and increase tax revenue during the current fiscal year.
Sources said the mobile application is expected to be officially launched next week after undergoing a trial run during the current week to evaluate its performance and ensure smooth functionality before its nationwide rollout.
Under the new system, registration of small traders through the mobile app is scheduled to begin next month. Retailers enrolled in the fixed tax scheme will be required to submit their tax returns starting in September, marking a key step in integrating small businesses into Pakistan’s formal tax system.
To make the platform accessible across the country, the application will be available in four languages: Urdu, English, Sindhi, and Balochi. Officials believe the multilingual interface will help retailers from different regions complete their registration process without difficulty.
According to the sources, every retailer successfully registered through the application will receive an FBR Green Plate, which will serve as official proof of registration under the fixed tax scheme. The green plate is expected to assist authorities in identifying registered businesses and promoting tax compliance.
Officials further disclosed that the Federal Board of Revenue has already compiled data on more than 3.5 million retailers across Pakistan. The government has set an ambitious target of collecting Rs50 billion in revenue during the current fiscal year through the successful implementation of the retailer registration initiative.
Meanwhile, FBR officials informed a Senate sub-committee on Interior that the tax authority requires federal cabinet approval before it can share taxpayers' data with parliamentary committees. During the meeting, committee chairman Senator Saifullah Abro requested detailed taxpayer information from FBR officials.
Representatives of the tax authority explained that while a significant amount of data had been prepared, certain confidential taxpayer records could only be disclosed after obtaining cabinet approval. Officials added that the FBR has already written to the Ministry of Law and Justice seeking legal guidance on whether the requested information can be shared with the parliamentary committee.
The launch of the new mobile application is expected to streamline tax registration, encourage voluntary compliance among retailers, and support the government's efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s tax collection system.
