Introduction

Sole proprietorship is the simplest form of business that an individual can start in Pakistan. It is a one-man business where the proprietor is solely responsible for all transactions, liabilities, and debts. The business can be conducted for any duration, and the owner can sell products or services when it is feasible. In this type of business, the owner uses their own intelligence and creative skills in managing the affairs of the business. Sole proprietorship is an excellent way of giving a corporate look to a small business.

Starting a business in Pakistan can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. As a business owner, it is important to choose the right business structure that suits your business needs and goals. One of the most popular types of business structures in Pakistan is the sole proprietorship. In this article, we will provide a detailed guide on the registration process for a sole proprietorship in Pakistan.

What is a Sole Proprietorship?

A sole proprietorship is a business structure owned and managed by a single individual. It is the simplest form of business structure, and the owner is personally liable for all the business’s debts and obligations. This means that if the business is sued or incurs debts, the owner’s personal assets can be used to pay off these obligations.

A sole proprietorship is a popular choice among small business owners due to its ease of formation, low cost, and simplicity. In Pakistan, sole proprietorships are commonly used in businesses such as small retail shops, service businesses, and professional practices.

Process

To register a sole proprietorship in Pakistan, an individual requires a few essential documents such as CNIC and NTN of the person applying for sole proprietorship registration, the name of the business, address of the business, utility bill for address verification, a letterhead and round stamp of the business, electricity bill of the address, bank account number, bank name and branch, and bank account maintenance certificate.

Steps

The steps to start a sole proprietorship business are quite easy. One can get a tax consultant or lawyer to do it for them if they are not comfortable doing it themselves. The steps include finalizing the name of the company, preparing the list of basic stationary company letterhead, visiting cards, preparing business stamp, bank account opening with account title of sole proprietor business, acquiring the bank statement of the newly opened bank account, and applying for the National Tax Number (NTN) certificate.

Obtaining a National Tax Number (NTN) is a necessary step to make the proprietor business legal. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is the organization that provides the National Tax Number. One can get the NTN number online by visiting the e.fbr.gov.pk website and selecting the “New e-registration” option from the “e-Registration menu”. One can also apply on paper by visiting the Taxpayer Facilitation Center. After completing the registration form, the applicant must verify and submit the form by clicking on the “Verify” and “Submit” buttons. A token number will be assigned by the system, and the application status can be checked online or by calling the helpline 051-111-772-772.

The registration process for a sole proprietorship in Pakistan involves obtaining a National Tax Number (NTN) from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and registering the business with relevant authorities such as the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and local government authorities.

Obtain a Taxpayer Registration Form (TRF)

The first step in registering a sole proprietorship in Pakistan is to obtain a Taxpayer Registration Form (TRF) from the FBR. The TRF can be obtained online or from any Tax Facilitation Center (TFC) across the country. The TRF requires information about the owner’s personal and business details, including the business name, nature of business, and business address.

 

Choose a Business Name

Choose a unique name for your sole proprietorship. It should not be similar to any other registered business name in Pakistan. Steps for checking name availability in Pakistan for a company:

• Visit the SECP eServices Portal The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) eServices portal can be accessed at https://eservices.secp.gov.pk/eServices/. This is the official portal for registering companies in Pakistan.
• Select Company Name Availability Search On the SECP eServices portal, click on the ‘Company Name Availability Search’ button. This will take you to the next screen.
• Enter Proposed Name of Company On the next screen, enter the proposed name of your company in the search bar. It is recommended to choose a unique and distinguishable name that is not already in use by another company.
• Click Search Once you have entered the proposed name of your company, click on the ‘Search’ button. This will initiate the search process to check the availability of the name.
• View Search Results After the search is completed, a list of results will be displayed on the screen. If the proposed name is available, it will be listed as ‘Available’ under the ‘Name Availability Status’ column. If the name is not available, the search results will display the reason for the name being unavailable.
• Reserve Company Name If the proposed name of your company is available, you can reserve it by clicking on the ‘Reserve Name’ button. This will initiate the process of reserving the name for your company for a period of 90 days.

Overall, checking the availability of a company name in Pakistan is a simple and straightforward process that can be completed online through the SECP eServices portal. It is important to choose a unique and distinguishable name that is not already in use by another company to avoid any legal issues in the future.

Obtain a National Tax Number (NTN) and Sales Tax Number (STRN)

You’ll need to obtain a National Tax Number (NTN) from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). You can apply for an NTN online through the FBR’s e-portal or visit an FBR office to complete the application process.

 

Add Sole Proprietorship on FBR 

After obtaining an NTN, Person can add sole proprietorship business on FBR portal.

 

Register with the Chamber of Commerce

You’ll need to register your sole proprietorship with the local Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This step is important if you plan to conduct business with other businesses, as it provides credibility to your business.

 

Obtain any Required Licenses and Permits

In addition to registering with the FBR , the owner must also obtain any necessary licenses and permits from local government authorities, such as a trade license from the local Municipal Corporation or Town Municipal Administration. The requirements for licenses and permits vary depending on the nature of the business and the location.

Filing an annual income tax return is mandatory for a taxpayer, and every proprietor business individual has to file it irrespective of the date of starting a business. The accounting period is from July 1 to June 30, and the filing period is normally in September. However, the dates can be extended as per government directives.

 

Open a Bank Account

Opening a bank account in Pakistan is a straightforward process. To open a bank account, you need to visit a bank branch with the required documents. The documents required for opening a bank account in Pakistan may vary depending on the type of account and the bank. However, generally, the following documents are required:

1. CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card) or passport for non-residents
2. Proof of residence, such as a utility bill or rental agreement
3. Two passport size photographs
4. Initial deposit amount (varies from bank to bank)

Once you have all the required documents, you can visit a bank branch to open an account. You will be required to fill out an account opening form and provide the necessary documents. After submitting the application, the bank will verify the provided information and may require additional documents if needed.

It is important to note that some banks may require you to maintain a minimum balance in your account to avoid fees. Therefore, it is essential to inquire about the bank’s policies and fees before opening an account. Additionally, you may also choose to open an account online or through mobile banking services, depending on the bank’s offerings.

Extra Step: Register with the Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI)

If you plan to hire employees, you’ll need to register with the Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI). This will ensure that your employees receive social security benefits, such as pensions, gratuity, and survivor benefits.

Extra Step: Register with the Workers’ Welfare Fund (WWF) If you plan to hire employees, you’ll also need to register with the Workers’ Welfare Fund (WWF). This fund provides benefits to workers, such as healthcare, education, and housing.

 

 

Advantages

Conclusion

In conclusion, a sole proprietorship can be a good option for small business owners who want a simple and low-cost business structure. The registration process for a sole proprietorship in Pakistan involves obtaining a National Tax Number (NTN) from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and registering the business with relevant  local government authorities.

While there are benefits to a sole proprietorship, such as ease of formation and complete control over the business, there are also challenges such as personal liability for debts and limited growth opportunities. It is important for business owners to carefully consider their options and consult with legal and financial advisors before choosing a business structure.

Overall, a sole proprietorship can be a good option for small businesses or startups that do not require significant investments or funding and are looking for a flexible and simple business structure.

 

 

FAQs

1. What is a sole proprietorship, and how is it different from other types of businesses? A sole proprietorship is a type of business entity in which an individual is the sole owner and is personally responsible for all debts and obligations of the business. It is different from other types of businesses, such as partnerships and corporations, which have multiple owners and different legal structures.
2. What is the minimum age requirement for registering as a sole proprietor in Pakistan? The minimum age requirement for registering as a sole proprietor in Pakistan is 18 years.
3. Do I need to have any prior experience or qualifications to register as a sole proprietor? No, there are no specific qualifications or experience requirements to register as a sole proprietor in Pakistan. However, it’s important to have a good understanding of the industry and market in which you plan to operate.
4. How long does it take to register a sole proprietorship in Pakistan? The time it takes to register a sole proprietorship in Pakistan can vary depending on the specific requirements and processing times of the relevant government authorities. It may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
5. Can I register my business name without obtaining an NTN or STRN? No, you cannot register your business name without obtaining a National Tax Number (NTN) and a Sales Tax Registration Number (STRN) in Pakistan.
6. Is there a fee for registering as a sole proprietor in Pakistan? Yes, there is a fee for registering as a sole proprietor in Pakistan. The fees may vary depending on the type of registration and the location of the business.
7. What are the consequences of operating a business without registering it as a sole proprietorship? Operating a business without registering it as a sole proprietorship in Pakistan is illegal and can result in fines, penalties, and legal action.
8. Can I register my sole proprietorship online, or do I need to visit an office in person? You can register your sole proprietorship online through the relevant government authorities’ e-portals in Pakistan. However, some procedures, such as obtaining licenses and permits, may require visiting the relevant government offices in person.
9. What documents do I need to provide when registering as a sole proprietor? The documents required for registering as a sole proprietor in Pakistan may vary depending on the location and type of business. However, some common documents include your CNIC, proof of address, bank statement, and business plan.
10. Can I change the name or nature of my business after registering it as a sole proprietorship? Yes, you can change the name or nature of your business after registering it as a sole proprietorship in Pakistan. However, you’ll need to update your registration and obtain any necessary licenses and permits for the new business type or name.