‘Taxpayer Awards’ Boost Consumer Awareness; Complaints Rise Against Businesses Refusing to Issue Receipts

September 25, Kathmandu – Since the government initiated the implementation of the Taxpayer Incentive Awards, data indicates a rapid increase in consumer awareness regarding the necessity of demanding official bills.

As each purchase bill is officially registered by the government, and consumers have a chance to win prizes up to NPR 1 million, complaints against merchants refusing to provide bills have surged, according to the Internal Revenue Department (IRD).

Keshav Raghuvanshi, Director and Information Officer of the department, stated that within one month of announcing the awards, awareness about obtaining bills has expanded among consumers. However, some merchants in key commercial areas like New Road are still reluctant to issue bills, according to consumer complaints.

“Many complaints received via the ‘Hello Government’ platform indicate that certain shops refuse to provide bills,” he explained. “This calls for more intensive market monitoring, and the department is preparing accordingly.”

He emphasized, “Consumers have the right to receive genuine bills when they purchase goods. Our program aims to create consumer awareness to consistently demand bills.”

Nevertheless, merchants registered with PAN numbers often refuse to issue proper bills, and complaints in this regard continue to rise.

The department further noted that the introduction of the Taxpayer Incentive Awards has not significantly increased new VAT or PAN registrations. Most retail businesses in the Kathmandu Valley and other urban areas were already registered prior to the program.

Despite registration, many businesses still refuse to provide bills, with similar reports coming from outside the valley as well.

“Even consumers who pay via QR codes notice discrepancies between the amount paid and the amount recorded on their bills,” Director Raghuvanshi remarked. “Since all transactions will be tracked through this system, it is imperative for all business operators to act honestly.”

Significant Growth in Program Participation

According to IRD data, the first month of the program has shown remarkable growth in consumer participation. From July 17 to 31, the number of cash transaction bill uploads increased sharply from 7,077 in the first 15 days to 357,149 in the subsequent 15 days.

The QR transaction segment also demonstrated enthusiasm. The total QR-enabled transactions recorded under the award program grew from 256,808,94 (around 25.6 million) in the first half to 320,863,80 (approximately 32 million) in the latter 15 days.

The department reports that total transactions during the 16 days after July 31 reached 324,432,29 (over 32 million). The government is distributing daily prizes of NPR 100,000 (after tax deduction) and bumper awards of NPR 1 million every fortnight (including tax deductions).

State Investment in Promoting Consumer Awareness, Says Finance Minister

Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle described the campaign as a state investment in building consumer consciousness. Speaking at the second fortnight’s award ceremony, he said, “This is the state’s investment in creating aware consumers among you.” He emphasized the campaign’s aim to promote a culture where both consumers and businesses consistently provide and demand bills.

The minister added that the initiative seeks not only to increase revenue collection but also to integrate everyone into the formal economy. He noted that the first month’s experience has spread happiness and enthusiasm among the people.

He requested all award recipients to serve as special envoys of the government. “I urge you to work as special ambassadors in your communities, municipalities, and electoral constituencies,” he added.

Experiences of Award Winners

Hemraj Joshi from Kailali won the bumper prize of NPR 1 million for purchasing items worth NPR 250. He expressed confidence that the government’s award program will rapidly cultivate the habit among consumers to both demand and issue bills.

Sharing his experience at the Ministry of Finance event, Joshi said, “If this habit becomes widespread among all consumers, the economy will greatly benefit.”

Since the introduction of the QR system in Nepal, Joshi has stopped carrying cash, as most places now accept QR payments. He noted, however, that in some areas, the need for cash can be inconvenient.

Himal Aryal from Gaindakot, who won the first fortnightly prize, initially doubted the authenticity of the Facebook announcement of his name but confirmed it upon receiving a message.

Aryal shared that he won the award on a payment made while buying ice cream with friends in the evening. He believes the campaign will significantly aid in bringing the economy into a formal system. He also noted that after his win, his friends have become more conscious about requesting bills.