VAT Bills Bring Big Rewards

Sabika Shrestha

The government’s Taxpayer Incentive Programme has generated massive interest and participation even before its official launch.

Asking for a bill after making a purchase is no longer just a civic responsibility, it is now an opportunity to win cash prizes.

Since the announcement of the program, the number of consumers requesting VAT bills has increased significantly.

According to the Inland Revenue Department, the total value of transactions registered under the Taxpayer Incentive Programme has crossed Rs.92.80 billion in the last 20 days.

As of Thursday, more than Rs.30.46 million transactions have been recorded.

Consumers who pay in cash and collect a bill can participate in the programme by registering their mobile number and other required details through the department’s Taxpayer Incentive Portal.

A purchase is considered eligible only after the system verifies the bill.

Once verified, a digital ticket is automatically generated, which is then entered into the daily and bumper prize draws.

Purchases of Rs.100 or more must be supported by a bill containing the seller’s PAN.

Payments made through mobile banking, QR codes, cards, and other electronic payment methods are automatically included in the system.

Dr. Bhishma Kumar Bhusal, Director General of the Inland Revenue Department said, “When we talk about digital payment—like making QR payments or online payments for transactions where we pay online—no extra action is required. As soon as you make the payment, the transaction reference number is automatically included in this scheme.

However, for those who haven’t paid online and have made cash payments, you need to get a bill. There is a specific section on the department’s website to enter the bill details. As soon as you fill in information across five or six fields, the system immediately generates and gives you your coupon number (e.g., ‘Your coupon number is XX’). That information also automatically goes into the system.”

According to the department, only individual consumers are eligible to participate in the programme.

Transactions made in the name of businesses, companies, or institutions are not eligible.

The department says the initiative aims to strengthen public trust in the tax system, promote a culture of voluntary tax compliance, encourage honest taxpayers, and broaden the country’s tax base.

Under the programme, one winner will be selected through a daily lucky draw with prize money of Rs.100, 000 In addition, a bumper draw will be held every 15 days, giving one lucky consumer the chance to win a cash prize of Rs.1 million exclusive of taxes.

So next time you make a purchase of anything above Rs.100 make sure to take a VAT invoice and be a millionaire.