Lahore: A significant seminar on the Tajar Dost Scheme 2024 was convened at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), with LCCI President Kashif Anwar at the helm. The event saw the participation of Chief Commissioner Regional Tax Office Lahore Ahmed Shuja Khan, members of the LCCI Executive Committee, and numerous chamber members.

According to Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI President Kashif Anwar lauded the efforts of the government and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for engaging with the trading community on the Tajar Dost Scheme. Anwar emphasized the need for the scheme to primarily target non-taxpayers, aiming to broaden the tax base effectively. He stressed that existing taxpayers should have the choice to opt into the scheme and proposed that new taxpayers should not face scrutiny over their previously undeclared assets and capital.

The seminar also highlighted the complications arising from specific statutory regulatory orders (SROs), which have placed a burden on traders. Anwar called for urgent resolutions to these issues, alongside a simplification of the tax return process to a single-page form in Urdu. He further recommended adjustments to the sales tax limits and policies to ensure stability and predictability for traders, advocating for a five-year implementation period for any changes.

Chief Commissioner Ahmed Shuja Khan acknowledged the insights provided by Anwar, assuring that the LCCI’s recommendations are being considered. Khan described the registration process under the Tajar Dost Scheme as straightforward and acknowledged the necessity for some traders to contribute more actively to the tax system. He confirmed that the administration is working on refining the tax regime for 2025 and is taking into account the challenges associated with tax assessments based on shop size and location.