The government has introduced escalating fines for shopkeepers who fail to file tax returns after the deadline under the Easy Tax Scheme or through the regular tax system.

According to a briefing at a review meeting chaired by Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani in Islamabad, the fine will be Rs. 10,000 in the first month after the deadline, Rs. 25,000 in the second month, and Rs. 50,000 in the third month.

The meeting was informed that 9,806 shopkeepers have joined the Easy Tax Scheme since its launch one month ago. Of these, 1,929 were new taxpayers who were not previously registered with the tax system.

So far, 428 shopkeepers have filed their returns, while others are at different stages of the filing process.

Officials said the scheme covers shopkeepers in both large and small cities. An Urdu-language booklet has also been issued explaining the new scheme, the existing return-filing process, deadlines, and applicable fines.

Kayani directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the relevant authorities to resolve technical concerns raised by traders and lawyers without delay.

He also instructed officials to provide FBR plates to shopkeepers who have filed their returns as soon as possible.

Trader representatives assured the government of their cooperation, while officials agreed to maintain regular contact with business communities and tax bars to improve implementation of the scheme.