National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan has hinted that the government may consider extending the deadline for submitting income tax returns.
He made the remarks while inaugurating an income tax return submission booth at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) on Sunday.
The chairman said more than 26 lakh online income tax returns have already been submitted, with 40,000 to 50,000 taxpayers filing daily on average. Around 42 lakh taxpayers have registered for e-returns, leaving nearly 15 to 16 lakh registered taxpayers yet to submit their returns.
“Considering this situation, the government may review the possibility of extending the tax return submission deadline,” he added.
Highlighting the system’s simplicity, he said: “If someone can log into Facebook and press the ‘like’ button, they can also submit an online tax return.”
He described the platform as easy, transparent and neutral, noting that taxpayers do not need to understand complex tax laws. The system automatically calculates tax amounts based on the information provided.
“As a result, tax authorities cannot question calculation errors,” he said. He stressed that accurate information is crucial and any concealment of data will be the taxpayer’s responsibility.
The chairman also explained that income tax audits will now be fully automated, with selection based on a risk assessment mathematical model.
“This eliminates arbitrary selection by any individual or official. The process will be fully neutral and objective,” he said.
He announced that bank accounts, savings certificates, DPS, FDRs and stock market dividends will be automatically integrated into the e-return system in the future, reducing the need for taxpayers to collect certificates from multiple institutions. He clarified that tax officials will not have access to personal transaction details; only taxpayers can view their information.
The NBR chairman added that VAT returns will also be made mandatory online from next year. Paper-based submissions involve more complexity, irregularities, and higher costs, while online submission saves time, cost and fuel, he noted.
Concluding the event he said “The country belongs to all of us. Just like a family runs on collective contributions, the state depends on everyone’s contribution. Those who earn more will pay more, those who earn less will pay less—but everyone must pay. Regular tax payment should never be considered a burden.”
