In a renewed push to tackle tax evasion and improve documentation of the economy, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has revived its Point of Sale (POS) Prize Scheme. The initiative is aimed at encouraging consumers to actively participate in identifying and reporting businesses that are not issuing proper invoices through the FBR-integrated system. By simply scanning and verifying receipts, shoppers now have a chance to win monthly cash rewards of up to Rs. 20,000.
The POS Prize Scheme is part of a broader digital enforcement mechanism introduced by FBR to curb the circulation of fake or non-compliant receipts and to encourage retail outlets and restaurants to formally integrate with the national tax system. Customers who make purchases at these registered establishments are automatically eligible to enter a computerized lucky draw, provided they follow a few simple steps using the FBR’s mobile application.
To participate, shoppers must ensure that they are buying from tier-one retailers and restaurants that are registered with the FBR and have connected their billing systems to the authority’s real-time digital monitoring infrastructure. These businesses issue receipts embedded with a unique QR code, which signifies that the transaction has been recorded in the FBR system.
Using the official ‘Tax Easy’ app, customers can scan the QR code on their receipt to verify its authenticity. In cases where the receipt does not contain a QR code—or worse, if a business provides a handwritten or basic printed receipt—consumers are encouraged not to accept it. Instead, they can report the violation by submitting a clear photograph of the suspicious invoice along with the shop’s or restaurant’s name and location directly through the app.
The incentive system is structured into two prize tiers. For verified purchases of up to Rs. 5,000, consumers are eligible to win a cash prize of Rs. 10,000. For purchases exceeding Rs. 5,000, the prize amount increases to Rs. 20,000. Winners are selected each month through a transparent computerized draw.
This scheme is designed not only to reward honest consumers but also to create public accountability among retailers. By turning shoppers into active whistleblowers against tax evasion, the FBR aims to increase its oversight of retail transactions and expand the country’s formal tax net. Moreover, it supports the broader digitization agenda of the government, where technology is being deployed to modernize tax collection and strengthen regulatory compliance.
With the revival of the POS prize initiative, the FBR continues to emphasize the importance of digital verification and public participation in ensuring tax transparency. The scheme also serves as a reminder for businesses to comply with regulations or risk being reported and penalized.
As the FBR tightens its monitoring efforts through technology, both consumers and retailers are expected to play a vital role in shaping a more accountable and transparent tax environment in Pakistan.
