Dhaka: 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. He mentioned that the NBR would assess progress based on submission trends.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the NBR chairman stated that once a large percentage of registered taxpayers have submitted their returns, it would indicate that most of the work has been completed. Currently, around another 1.5 million taxpayers are expected to submit their returns online. Khan added that if necessary, the government may consider extending the deadline after discussions with the finance adviser.
Khan made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of an income tax return submission support booth at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU). The DRU has initiated a special program to assist its members in preparing and submitting their income tax returns.
He highlighted the introduction of a digital platform to allow taxpayers to submit their returns in a straightforward manner, with audits conducted automatically using data generated through the system. Though a limited number of returns are still accepted manually, these will gradually be transitioned to digital records with updates based on taxpayer feedback.
The NBR is also preparing to launch digital VAT return submission next year, along with an app to simplify the process further. The integration of data from the Central Depository Bangladesh Limited (CDBL) and banks is underway to automatically update information on capital market investments and interest income in tax returns. This integration will ensure that only the respective taxpayers can view these details, safeguarding against unauthorized access.
The NBR chairman disclosed that around 4.2 million taxpayers have registered for online return submission, with over 2.6 million already filed. He acknowledged the challenge of receiving the remaining 1.5 to 1.6 million returns within the next week, especially as new registrations continue daily, with more than 15,000 taxpayers registering for e-return submission each day.
In November, the NBR extended the deadline for individual taxpayers to submit income tax returns by one month, allowing submissions for the 2025-26 tax year until 31 December, instead of the original 30 November deadline. Taxpayers can currently submit online returns without uploading documents and receive an automated e-return acknowledgement upon payment through banking channels or mobile financial services.
For the next fiscal year, saving-related information will be obtained directly from banks, eliminating the need for taxpayers to collect certificates for dividends, interest income, or savings instruments. Khan also assured that NBR officials would not have access to individual taxpayers’ personal financial data.
DRU President Abu Saleh Akon, General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel, and Finance Secretary Niaz Mahmud Sohel were present at the event.