Easy Trader Scheme offers traders an opportunity to join the formal economy, says Chief Commissioner RTO at Islamabad Chamber

ISLAMABAD: Chief Commissioner Regional Tax Office (RTO) Islamabad has said that the Easy Trader Scheme is an important step towards simplifying the tax system, encouraging voluntary tax compliance and bringing more businesses into the formal economy.

Addressing an interactive session at the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), the Chief Commissioner urged retailers and small shopkeepers to register under the government’s Easy Trader Scheme and file their tax returns by September 30, 2026.

She said traders with an annual turnover of up to Rs200 million could opt for the simplified tax regime, while they would also retain the option to file tax returns under the regular system. Under the simplified regime, the minimum annual tax for eligible traders has been set at Rs25,000, while traders meeting the prescribed conditions would be exempt from audit.

The Chief Commissioner said the scheme would provide small businesses with greater certainty and convenience regarding their tax obligations and offer an easier pathway for businesses currently outside the tax net to become part of the formal economy.

She said the registration process had also been simplified, with the relevant form available in Urdu to help small traders understand and complete it easily. Traders could register through the Tax Asaan App, while tax officials would provide direct assistance to those seeking guidance.

Special teams had also been constituted to facilitate traders by visiting shops and offices of trader associations and assisting them with the registration process, she added.

The Chief Commissioner said the scheme offered several benefits, including audit exemption and amnesty facilities, and urged the business community to take advantage of the opportunity. Green plates bearing QR codes would also be displayed outside registered shops as a visible sign of tax compliance and transparency.

Earlier, the Chief Commissioner, along with ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mahmood, senior RTO officials, chamber office-bearers and representatives of the business community, inaugurated an Income Tax Facilitation Desk at the ICCI.

She said the desk would serve as a one-window facility for small traders, providing direct guidance and assistance regarding registration, return filing and other tax-related matters.

ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mahmood welcomed the establishment of the facilitation desk and termed it a practical step towards resolving the problems of small traders and simplifying tax registration and return filing.

He said the business community was a responsible partner in national economic development and the backbone of the economy, playing an important role in promoting employment, investment, trade and economic activity.

He said the facilitation desk would help bridge the communication gap between tax authorities and small businesses, provide timely guidance and enable traders to fulfil their tax obligations without unnecessary hurdles.

Sardar Tahir Mahmood said ICCI would continue to play the role of a bridge between the government and the private sector and extend all possible cooperation to create awareness about the Easy Trader Scheme and help traders meet tax requirements.

ICCI Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub and Vice President Irfan Chaudhry also assured the chamber’s full cooperation in creating awareness about the scheme and facilitating the business community.

The session was moderated by Mian Muhammad Ramzan, Chairman ICCI Standing Committee on FBR. Senior RTO officials, former ICCI President Muhammad Ijaz Abbasi, executive members, former office-bearers and a large number of representatives of various markets and trader associations also attended the session.