National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan announced plans to launch a new application next year to simplify the tax return submission process.
Speaking at the inauguration of the ‘Income Tax Return Submission Support Booth’ at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU), NBR chairman emphasised that the digitisation of income tax has eliminated much of the previous hassle and risk involved in the process.
Khan stated that to enhance transparency and ease, the NBR will integrate taxpayers’ banking information into the return submission system starting next year.
This initiative aims to ensure the security of taxpayer data while also streamlining the return filing process through the upcoming app.
Highlighting the challenges of revenue manipulation, he noted that a fully online income tax and VAT collection system would make both the collection and audit processes more efficient and transparent.
According to Khan, the online submission of returns is expected to increase government revenue.
As of now, for the 2025-26 fiscal year, 4.2 million taxpayers have applied online, with 2.6 million returns already submitted.
Khan addressed the extension of the return submission deadline to December 31, noting that many submissions are still pending and approximately 1.5 million applications are being submitted daily.
He congratulated the newly elected committee of the DRU at the beginning of his speech, thanking them for initiating the tax submission booth.
“With the digitization of income tax, all citizens will be able to pay their taxes reliably. The automatic system minimizes the chances of errors,” he said.
Khan also addressed concerns regarding data privacy, assuring that only investigative authorities would have access to taxpayer information in case of specific complaints. “This country belongs to all of you; we must all contribute to its expenses through taxes. Building our nation requires our collective effort,” he stated.
DRU President Abu Saheh Akon remarked on the patriotic spirit of journalists, expressing their willingness to pay taxes. “Previously, there was a certain level of fear associated with tax submission, but now that fear is diminishing thanks to the NBR’s digital approach,” he added.
The event was moderated by DRU General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel, with welcoming remarks from Finance Secretary Meje Mohammad Sohel and the presence of other DRU leaders.
National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan has hinted at a possible extension of the deadline for submission of online income tax returns as a significant number of registered taxpayers are yet to file their returns digitally, says BSS report.
He said the NBR would assess progress based on submission trends.
“When we see that a large percentage of registered taxpayers have submitted their returns, we will understand that most of the work has been completed. At this stage, we believe around another 15 lakh taxpayers will submit their returns online,” he said.
“If necessary, the government may consider the matter later. We will make a decision after discussing it with the high ups (finance adviser),” he added.