Speakers for strengthening online platform of NBR to simplify tax services

Speakers at a dialogue on Monday suggested strengthening the online platform of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to simplify tax-related services.

They said that in the new Income Tax Act, the income tax return has been simplified as the return form has been brought onto one page, which is highly commendable. However, they said the online platform of the NBR needs to be strengthened to ensure smooth submission of online returns and availability of other digital tax-related services.

The speakers came up with the suggestions at a dialogue titled “Income Tax Act 2023-Due Diligence by The Taxpayers” organised by the Business Initiative Leading Development (BUILD) held at its office in Dhaka.

NBR member GM Abul Kalam Kaikobad spoke at the dialogue as the chief guest while former NBR chairman Dr Muhammad Abdul Mazid, Chairman of the Department of Accounting and Information System of Dhaka University Dr Dhiman Kumar Chowdhury, former NBR member Md Alamgir Hossain, former chairman of Janata Bank Ltd Dr Jamal Uddin Ahmed, former president of ICAB Shahadat Hosan, Chartered Accountant Hasan Mahmood, among others, spoke on the occasion.

Ferdaus Ara Begum, CEO of Build, made the introductory remarks.

Snehasish Barua, Partner, Snehasish Mahmud & Co and Md. Nooruzzaman, Senior Research Associate of Build, made two separate presentations.

Agreeing with some of the recommendations highlighted in the dialogue, NBR member GM Abul Kalam said that there is a need to make the common people or taxpayers aware of the new Income Tax Act. He said that NBR’s online platform would be strengthened further to ensure digital services.

Former NBR Chairman Dr Muhammad Abdul Mazid recommended popularising the new income tax law with the help of the media to make taxpayers aware of the provisions of the new Income Tax Act.

Snehasish Barua said that many provisions of the new Income Tax Act have been simplified for the taxpayers. He said that the taxpayers are now getting the acknowledgment slips and tax certificates along with the return submission. However, emphasising on ensuring all types of online services, he suggested strengthening NBR’s online platform.