Tax service month begins

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) is optimistic that the number of tax return submissions will exceed 20 lakh this November – which is the last month to file returns for FY22. The NBR on Tuesday inaugurated the tax service month for the 2022-23 tax year.

It is mandatory for citizens to submit proof of their return submissions to get more than 37 types of services, including loans and trade licenses. Besides, the government has announced facilities this FY for TIN holders who have never filed their tax returns before.

Speaking to The Business Post, NBR officials say, around 14.50 lakh returns were filed in the Jul-November period last year, of the figure, around 12 lakh were filed in the month of November alone.

That year, after the return filling duration was extended, the income tax return submissions stood at around 23 lakh.

Revenue board officials say the policy support in this budget and mandatory return filing for some services has already boosted the submission of returns. In the first quarter of the FY23, 3.30 lakh income tax returns were submitted.

Inaugurating the tax service month at the NBR conference room for 2022-23 tax year, the board’s Chairman Abu Hena Md Rahmatul Muneem said, “The NBR had declared the month of November “Tax service month” back in 2020.

“All the tax zones have been set up to accept income tax returns of their respective taxpayers in a festive environment. The initiative will provide services to the taxpayers in a festive mood at its 649 circles under 31 tax zones across the country.”

The last day for submitting tax returns under the Tax Service Month is November 30, which the NBR observes as the Tax Day. Taxpayers will also be able to submit tax returns online as well.

Similar to the Income Tax Fair, the taxpayers would be able to enjoy various tax related services throughout the month at different tax zones.

Besides, various activities will continue throughout the month to ensure expansion of the tax culture, tax awareness, and gaining the trust and confidence of the taxpayers.

At present, the number of registered taxpayers in Bangladesh is 81.82 lakh, and around 25 lakh taxpayers submit income tax returns annually, shows NBR data.