Get a genuine bill, Become a Lakhpati: Govt launches daily and biweekly cash prize scheme

KATHMANDU: The government has introduced a new cash prize scheme to encourage consumers to obtain genuine bills when purchasing goods and services, with one consumer set to win Rs 133,034 every day and two consumers to receive Rs 1 million each in bumper prizes every month.

The Ministry of Finance has introduced the scheme through the “Taxpayer Incentive Gift Programme Operating Procedure, 2083”, under a programme approved through the government’s budget.

The initiative aims to increase participation in the formal tax system, encourage accurate recording of transactions involving the purchase and sale of goods and services, and motivate consumers to routinely obtain genuine bills.

Under the procedure, consumers purchasing goods or services worth more than Rs 100 at a time for personal use within Nepal can participate in the programme.

Transactions made through digital payment platforms will automatically be entered into the system, with each eligible purchase generating one gift ticket.

Consumers who purchase goods or services through cash or other non-digital payment methods and obtain a valid bill will have to enter details through the Inland Revenue Department’s web portal or mobile application. The required information includes the bill number, seller’s PAN number, bill issue date, total transaction amount, payment method, buyer’s name and mobile number.

However, purchases made for commercial purposes will not qualify for the scheme. Bills issued in the name of government agencies or public institutions, as well as bills for telephone, internet, electricity, vehicle and transportation services and air tickets, will also be excluded.

Similarly, bills obtained from sellers who do not have a PAN number will not be eligible for the programme.

Daily and Biweekly Prizes

According to the procedure, winners will be selected automatically through the department’s system. The department may invite high-ranking or prominent individuals, representatives of various organisations and media representatives during the winner selection process.

Under the daily prize scheme, one winner will receive Rs 133,034 every day.

In addition, the government will conduct a biweekly bumper draw twice a month, with two winners receiving Rs 1 million each.

For the draw held on the first day of each month, winners will be selected from eligible transactions entered between the 16th and the last day of the previous month. Similarly, the draw held on the 16th of each month will select winners from transactions entered between the 1st and 15th of the same month.

The scheme effectively replaces the earlier concept of simply encouraging consumers to collect bills with a structured incentive programme that directly rewards consumers for participating in the formal tax system.

Winners Must Claim Prize Within 15 Days

Following the announcement of winners, the Inland Revenue Department will notify them through their registered mobile numbers and email addresses. The names of winners will also be published on the department’s website and social media platforms.

To claim the prize, winners must submit an application to the nearest Inland Revenue Office within 15 days of the announcement. They will be required to provide the original bill, citizenship certificate or National Identity Card, or alternatively a passport or driving licence, bank account details and PAN number.

A 25% tax will be deducted from the prize amount in accordance with Section 88A of the Income Tax Act, 2058.

After verifying the required documents, the department will deposit the prize money into the winner’s bank account within 10 days.

If a winner fails to claim the prize within the stipulated period, the unclaimed amount will be deposited into the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund, according to the operating procedure.

The government expects the scheme to encourage consumers to demand genuine bills for their purchases, improve tax compliance and promote greater transparency in the recording of economic transactions. It also aims to expand the tax base by encouraging both consumers and businesses to participate more actively in the formal economy.