Some 2.0m e-returns expected this year

Some 2.0 million electronic tax returns are expected this year following encouraging responses from taxpayers, as the revenue board is transitioning from the cumbersome manual filings.

Both electronic tax -return registration and submission have surged significantly after the National Board of Revenue (NBR) made it mandatory for some employed taxpayers last week.

Until October 27, 2024, the NBR had received some 119,961 new electronic tax returns in its e-tax portal. The total number was 120,561 last year.

A total of 911,617 taxpayers have registered with the electronic-tax-return portal since last year.

Talking to the FE, NBR chairman Abdur Rahman Khan said a dedicated server would be installed in the Bangladesh Telecom Regulatory Authority (BTRC) to manage traffic on the website so that taxpayers can avail uninterrupted access to the e-tax portal.

The NBR has planned a massive campaign to popularize the electronic- tax returns in a bid to end widespread allegations of underhand dealings at the time of submission of tax returns.

"We want no one to visit tax offices. Payment of taxes through Automated Chalan is so simple and easier," he added.

Mr Rahman said only 5.0 per cent of taxpayers pay taxes with returns while 95 per cent pay tax in advance round the year.

"Only 7,387 taxpayers have paid taxes worth Tk 39 million this year with the online tax returns," he added.

Individual taxpayers will no longer be required to submit supporting documents, including bank statements, in filing their tax returns online.

Integration with various income sources-such as car registrations, government salaries, savings certificates-will limit the potential for concealment of information to evade taxes.

The NBR is considering introducing awards for companies on the basis of their number of employees submitting tax returns online.

To enhance taxpayer services, the NBR has established a tax helpline for assistance and plans to involve university students in business fields to support taxpayers throughout the online filing process.

The e-filing platform, www.etaxnbr.gov.bd, is now available for individual taxpayers to submit their returns, acquire tax-acknowledgment certificates, and receive tax-return certificates.

Electronic filing was made mandatory for employees of scheduled banks and telecom companies, as well as individuals within specific city corporations and employees of major companies such as Nestlé Bangladesh, British American Tobacco, Unilever Bangladesh, Marico, Bata Shoe Company, and Berger Paints Bangladesh.

Those employees cannot submit tax returns manually from now on.

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