Key Takeaways:

• Taxpayer Incentive Gift Programme launched by Ministry of Finance
• Consumers spending over Rs 100 qualify; e-payments auto-entered
• IRD to hold automated draws twice a month
• Daily prize: Rs 133,334; fortnightly bumper prize: Rs 1 million

KATHMANDU, JULY 21 The government has introduced a new incentive programme offering cash rewards to consumers who collect bills while purchasing goods and services, aiming to promote tax compliance and reduce revenue leakage. The Ministry of Finance has approved and enforced the Taxpayer Incentive Gift Programme Operation Procedure, 2083, under which the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) will operate periodic prize draws for eligible consumers. Under the scheme, individuals purchasing goods or services worth more than Rs 100 for personal use will qualify for participation. Consumers making electronic payments will be automatically entered into the draw, while those paying through other means must register invoice details through the department's system within the prescribed period. According to the procedure, the IRD will conduct automated draws twice a month. One daily winner will receive a prize worth Rs 133,334, while a bumper winner selected every fortnight will receive Rs 1 million. The government said the programme is intended to encourage consumers to demand invoices, expand the use of digital payments, improve transaction transparency and strengthen tax administration. However, invoices issued for business purposes, government entities, public institutions, utility services, vehicle purchases, transport services, air tickets and transactions involving sellers without a Permanent Account Number (PAN) will not be eligible for the programme. Winners will be notified through mobile phone and email, and their names will be published on the department's website and social media platforms. A 25 percent tax applicable to windfall gains will be deducted from prize amounts before payment. Officials said the initiative is expected to boost voluntary participation in the tax system while promoting greater accountability in commercial transactions.