ISLAMABAD: The federal government has launched a new tax scheme for small retailers, with Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani saying the initiative has been developed in consultation with the business community. Speaking at the launch, Bilal Azhar Kayani said the retailer scheme that had been under preparation was formally announced on Wednesday. He said a dedicated app had also been introduced for shopkeepers, including those who are currently outside the tax net. The minister said shopkeepers would be able to become filers through the app, adding that the government would work with traders to make the scheme successful. He said the government was taking steps to broaden the tax base and that successful implementation of the scheme could help reduce the tax burden on salaried people. Bilal Azhar Kayani said the form presented on June 5 had now been incorporated into the application, which could be downloaded from the Google Play Store. He added that retailers joining the scheme would not be required to install point-of-sale (POS) machines. Finance Minister said the government was moving forward in consultation with traders, adding that simplifying the tax system had long been a demand of the business community. He expressed optimism about the scheme and said the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL) had been working to make the process easier for small shopkeepers. The minister assured traders that they would not be harassed under the scheme, stressing that no tax system could function effectively if entire segments of society remained outside the tax net.