Starting an untraditional business requires more than a registration, for this you need to obtain business licenses and permits prior to business registration. Business license and permit is a government document which certifies a business is safe for the environment and public. Business licenses and permits are mandatory for compliance with laws and regulating commercial activities. Additionally it ensures and maintains public safety and order. The nature of licenses and permits depends upon the kind of business you operate and where you operate it. In this guide you will understand business licenses, permits, and how to obtain them. Types of Business Licenses & Permits 1. Trade License: It is issued by local municipal authorities. It is essential for retail and wholesale business. 2. Professional License: It is issued for professions such as doctors, lawyers, accountants, and etc. It is issued by professional governing bodies. 3. Import and Export License: It is necessary for those involved in international trade business. It is issued by the ministry of commerce. 4. Health and Safety Permits: It is essential for those businesses involved in the food, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors. It is issued by the provincial healthcare departments and the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA). 5. Environmental Permits: It is required by the business that could impact the environment. It is issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Obtaining Business Licenses and Permits: It depends on your business structure and its specific requirements, Apply for licenses and permits accordingly. Trade License: You need to apply at your local municipal corporation and district council. Professional License: You need to contact the profession governing body, for instance Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) for doctors or the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) for lawyers. Import and Export License: You need to contact the ministry of commerce. Health and Permits Permits: You need to apply to the provincial health departments and the PSQCA. Environmental Permits: You need to submit an application to the EPA. Complying with Industry-Specific Regulations: Different industries in Pakistan have particular regulatory requirements. So make sure that you must be mindful of these and also comply with it. Keeping your Licenses and Permits Updated: Business Licenses and Permits frequently require updates. You need to timely monitor changes and expiration dates to avoid any issues. In case of non-compliance, it can lead you to fines and business closure. Going through the process of obtaining licenses and permits in Pakistan is not easy at all, but it is also crucial in establishing a legally compliant and safety ensured business. By understanding and following the given guidelines you can make sure that your business operates smoothly and hassle-free within the legal and safety-oriented framework. Every business is unique with its own specific requirements, So if you want your business to be fully compliant with all regulations then you can consult with Befiler’s professionals. Read more

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has made the decision to block 0.5 million SIM cards from non-filers’ mobile phones in an effort to initiate a strict campaign against non-filers in April 2024. In light of this, right after Eid, the FBR would release an Income Tax General Order (IGTO). The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) would lend support to the FBR in identifying the 400,000 under-filers who choose not to file their returns. Furthermore, the FBR’s Broadening Tax Base (BTB) project will identify 100,000 non-filers, and their SIMs would be dysfunctional. According to the Active Taxpayers List (ATL), the FBR received 5.9 million income tax returns in total in tax year 2022. However, this number decreased to 4.2 million in the tax year 2023 until March 2024. Roughly 1.8 million people failed to file their taxes. The FBR was authorized by Income Tax Law 2023 Section 114(B) to compel return submission. It reads as follows: “(1) The Board (FBR) shall have the powers to issue income tax general orders with respect to individuals who are not listed on the active taxpayers’ list but are required to file a return under the provisions of the Ordinance, notwithstanding anything contained in any other law currently in effect.” “(2) For the individuals listed therein, the income tax general order issued under sub-section (1) may result in any or all of the following actions: (a) turning off cell phones or SIM cards; (b) cutting off the electricity or gas supply; or (c) canceling the gas connection.” “(3) In situations where he is satisfied that either (a) the return has been filed or (b) the person was not required to file a return under the terms of the Ordinance, the Board or the commissioner having jurisdiction over the person named in the income tax general order may order the restoration of mobile phones, mobile phone SIMs and connections of electricity and gas.” “(4) No person shall be included in the general order under sub-section (1) unless the following requirements are satisfied: (a) notice under sub-section (4) of section 114 has been issued; (ii) utility connections; (iii) business premises, including all manufacturing, storage, or retail outlets operated or leased by the taxpayer; (iv) types of businesses; and (v) such other information as may be prescribed; (b) shall be signed by the person, if the person is an individual, or the person’s representative in the case that section 172 applies; and (c) shall be filed electronically on the website designated by the Board.” “(5) If a person is registered under section 181 before the 30th day of September 2020, their taxpayer profile must be provided, (a) on or before the 31st day of December 2020; (b) within ninety days of registration if they are not registered. (c) The notice’s compliance date under section 114, subsection (4), has passed; and (d) The individual has not submitted the return.” “(6) The action taken under this section shall not bar any other action taken under the terms of the Ordinance, the statement said at the end.” Non-filers are urged to file their tax returns promptly to avoid disruption in their mobile phone services. Hurry Up! If you don’t want to lose your mobile sim, electricity, and water connection. Then, now is the time to take action and save your valuables. Click on this link. Befiler is here to make you a tax filer in just six minutes. The deadline is approaching fast, and those who fail to comply will face the consequences. Stay tuned for further updates! Read more

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) would lend support to the FBR in identifying the 400,000 under-filers who choose not to file their returns. Furthermore, the FBR’s Broadening Tax Base (BTB) project will identify 100,000 non-filers, and their SIMs would be dysfunctional. According to the Active Taxpayers List (ATL), the FBR received 5.9 million income tax returns in total in tax year 2022. However, this number decreased to 4.2 million in the tax year 2023 until March 2024. Roughly 1.8 million people failed to file their taxes. The FBR was authorized by Income Tax Law 2023 Section 114(B) to compel return submission. It reads as follows: “(1) The Board (FBR) shall have the powers to issue income tax general orders with respect to individuals who are not listed on the active taxpayers’ list but are required to file a return under the provisions of the Ordinance, notwithstanding anything contained in any other law currently in effect.” “(2) For the individuals listed therein, the income tax general order issued under sub-section (1) may result in any or all of the following actions: (a) turning off cell phones or SIM cards; (b) cutting off the electricity or gas supply; or (c) canceling the gas connection.” “(3) In situations where he is satisfied that either (a) the return has been filed or (b) the person was not required to file a return under the terms of the Ordinance, the Board or the commissioner having jurisdiction over the person named in the income tax general order may order the restoration of mobile phones, mobile phone SIMs and connections of electricity and gas.” “(4) No person shall be included in the general order under sub-section (1) unless the following requirements are satisfied: (a) notice under sub-section (4) of section 114 has been issued; (ii) utility connections; (iii) business premises, including all manufacturing, storage, or retail outlets operated or leased by the taxpayer; (iv) types of businesses; and (v) such other information as may be prescribed; (b) shall be signed by the person, if the person is an individual, or the person’s representative in the case that section 172 applies; and (c) shall be filed electronically on the website designated by the Board.” “(5) If a person is registered under section 181 before the 30th day of September 2020, their taxpayer profile must be provided, (a) on or before the 31st day of December 2020; (b) within ninety days of registration if they are not registered. (c) The notice’s compliance date under section 114, subsection (4), has passed; and (d) The individual has not submitted the return.” “(6) The action taken under this section shall not bar any other action taken under the terms of the Ordinance, the statement said at the end.” Non-filers are urged to file their tax returns promptly to avoid disruption in their mobile phone services. Hurry Up! If you don’t want to lose your mobile sim, electricity, and water connection. Then, now is the time to take action and save your valuables. Click on this link. Befiler is here to make you a tax filer in just six minutes. The deadline is approaching fast, and those who fail to comply will face the consequences. Stay tuned for further updates! Read more