NBR hints at possible extension of online tax return deadline
Business Report :
National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan has indicated that the government may consider further extending the deadline for online income tax return submission, as a large number of registered taxpayers have yet to file their returns digitally.
Speaking at the inauguration of an income tax return support booth at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) on Sunday, Khan said the NBR would assess the need for an extension 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 1.5 million taxpayers will submit their returns online,” he said.
He added that any decision regarding an extension would be made after consulting the finance adviser. The DRU had requested an extension to assist its members in preparing and submitting their returns.
“To ensure transparency, we have introduced a digital platform that allows taxpayers to submit their returns in a hassle-free manner,” Khan said. He added that audits would be conducted automatically using data generated through the digital system.
Currently, a limited number of returns are still being accepted manually, but these will gradually be converted into digital records. The system is being continuously updated based on taxpayer feedback.
Khan also announced plans to introduce digital VAT return submission next year and a mobile app to further simplify the process.
The NBR is working to integrate data from Central Depository Bangladesh Limited (CDBL) and banks to automatically update information on capital market investments and interest income.
Khan stressed that these details would only be visible to respective taxpayers, with no unauthorised access allowed.
According to the chairman, around 4.2 million taxpayers have registered for online return submission, with over 2.6 million returns already filed. “This means around 1.5 to 1.6 million returns are still pending.
Receiving all of them within the next week may be difficult, especially as new registrations continue every day. On average, more than 15,000 taxpayers register daily for e-return submission,” he said.
The NBR had earlier extended the deadline for individual taxpayers by one month, allowing returns for the 2025-26 tax year to be filed until 31 December, instead of the original 30 November deadline.
Currently, taxpayers can submit returns online without uploading any documents. Upon paying income tax through any banking channel or mobile financial service, they receive an automated e-return acknowledgement instantly.
From the next fiscal year, savings-related information will be obtained directly from banks, and integration with CDBL and banking platforms will eliminate the need for taxpayers to collect certificates for dividends, interest income, or savings instruments.
Khan emphasized that NBR officials will not have access to individual taxpayers’ personal financial data.
The event was attended by DRU President Abu Saleh Akon, General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel, and Finance Secretary Niaz Mahmud Sohel.