NBR launches online VAT refund system for faster payments
Business Report :
The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has officially launched an online VAT refund module, marking a major step towards automating Bangladesh’s tax administration system. The new digital platform will allow businesses and individual taxpayers to submit VAT refund applications online and receive approved refunds directly in their bank accounts, without the need for any physical visits to VAT offices.
According to an NBR press release issued on Monday, the new module has been developed by integrating the Integrated VAT Administration System (iVAS) with the Finance Division’s iBAS++ platform. Through this integration, refund payments will be made using the Bangladesh Electronic Fund Transfer Network (BEFTN), enabling seamless and secure digital transfers to taxpayers’ designated bank accounts.
Under the new system, taxpayers can log in to the online VAT portal to submit refund requests along with necessary documentation. The respective VAT commissionerate will review and verify each application in accordance with the Value Added Tax and Supplementary Duty Act, 2012. Once approved, the refund amount will be automatically credited to the applicant’s bank account through the electronic fund transfer network.
The NBR said the initiative will reduce manual paperwork, eliminate long processing delays, and curb opportunities for irregularities, as the system ensures transparency at every stage of the refund process.
“Under this newly introduced system, taxpayers will no longer need to visit VAT offices to submit refund applications or collect refund cheques, thereby saving both time and money while ensuring greater transparency and efficiency,” the NBR statement said.
Officials at the revenue board noted that the new module is part of NBR’s ongoing digital transformation initiatives, which aim to create a fully automated tax ecosystem. Earlier reforms included the introduction of online VAT registration, e-payment, and e-return submission systems.
With the launch of the online refund system, NBR expects to make VAT administration more business-friendly.
reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and strengthen taxpayer confidence in the country’s digital revenue management infrastructure.
