Aug 07, Kathmandu - The Inland Revenue Department has announced the winners of the bumper prize under its taxpayer incentive gift program, aimed at promoting digital transactions and tax compliance. The prize distribution was conducted in the presence of Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle on Friday morning.

Following the announcement of 15 winners who received NPR 133,334 each for transactions totaling NPR 1 lakh, the grand jackpot winner was also revealed. The person holding coupon number 007315254493 has won a cash prize of NPR 10 million.

This lucky individual purchased goods worth NPR 250 at Shiva Kishna General Store and included the bill in the program. After deducting 25% tax, they will receive NPR 7.5 lakh.

The 15 winners, each awarded NPR 1 lakh, are identified by their coupon numbers:

• 0077555580670  
• 015611058075  
• 012258086588 (Ncell)  
• 01497390733  
• 006841553537  
• 002928817811  
• 0098917833245  
• 004780840884  
• 010837180332  
• 005588506085  
• 003006778589  
• 008782486335  
• 013035230297  
• 001808965986  
• 011380914580

All these winners will receive their respective NPR 1 lakh prizes after tax deduction.  

The program, launched in the fiscal year 2083/84, aims to encourage consumers to purchase and pay electronically through QR codes via banks or digital wallets. It also incentivizes consumers to upload their bills on the Inland Revenue Department’s website by submitting VAT or PAN details for prize eligibility, with the stipulation to keep original bills safe when claiming awards.

Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle announced this initiative in the FY 2083/84 budget, with the first phase targeting transactions from August 1 to 15. Future draws will be held monthly on the 16th for transactions during the 1st–15th days, and at the end of each month for transactions from the 16th onward.

The government aims to distribute prizes worth approximately NPR 7.25 crore throughout the year, targeting about 390 participants. The main objectives are to foster a culture of bill collection among consumers and businesses, curb VAT and tax evasion, and promote electronic payments. Additionally, the government is preparing to implement a scheme to refund up to 10% of VAT paid by consumers who digitally pay for goods and services.

Historically, similar 'lucky draw' programs were conducted in the early 2050s when VAT was first introduced in Nepal, offering monthly prizes via television broadcasts. The current digital version is seen as a modernized successor to that initiative.