Md Abdur Rahman Khan, chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), has indicated that they may extend the deadline for submitting income tax returns, with more than 26 lakh filing made online so far.
He also informed that about 40,000 to 50,000 taxpayers are filing returns online every day.
These comments came at the inauguration of an income tax return submission booth at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) in Dhaka on Sunday.
Khan also informed that around 42 lakh taxpayers have registered for e-returns. Based on this figure, nearly 16 lakh registered taxpayers are 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 simplicity of the system, he said that if someone can log into Facebook and press the “like button”, they can also submit an online tax return.
Describing the online income tax return system as easy, transparent and neutral, the NBR chairman said taxpayers do not need to understand complex income tax laws.
If the required information is provided correctly, the system will automatically calculate the tax amount.
“As a result, tax authorities will not be able to raise questions over calculation errors,” he said.
“We made using the digital platform mandatory to ensure transparency and accountability. If taxpayers provide accurate information, there will be no issues with tax calculation,” Khan added. “But if information is intentionally concealed, the responsibility will lie with the taxpayer.”
According to the NBR chairman, income tax audits under the new system will be conducted fully through automation. Audit selection will be based on risk assessment using a mathematical model.
“This will eliminate the scope for arbitrary selection by any individual or official. The process will be completely neutral and objective,” he said.
Khan also announced that in the future, information related to bank accounts, savings certificates, DPS, FDRs and stock market dividends will be automatically integrated into the e-return system.
This initiative will reduce the need for taxpayers to collect certificates from multiple institutions.
He clarified that tax officials will not have access to taxpayers’ personal transaction details.
“Only the taxpayer, upon logging in, will be able to view their own information,” he said.
In addition to income tax, the NBR chairman said they are planning to make online submissions mandatory for VAT returns from next year.
He noted that paper-based returns involve more complexity and irregularities, while online submission will save time, cost and fuel.
In his concluding remarks, the NBR chairman said the country belongs to everyone.
“Just like how a family runs on collective contributions, the state also depends on everyone’s contribution. Those who earn more will pay more, those who earn less will pay less, but everyone must pay.”
He added that regular tax payment should never be considered a burden.
