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He warns tax burden will increase for those paying lower rates in the upcoming budget
Published : 05 Mar 2025, 07:57 PM
National Board of Revenue Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan has warned that once a person obtains a Taxpayer Identification Number, or TIN, they will no longer be able to "sleep easy" as NBR officials will relentlessly push for return submissions.
Speaking at a pre-budget discussion at the NBR office in Dhaka’s Agargaon on Wednesday, he outlined multiple initiatives to increase revenue.
The NBR chief pointed out that despite over 10 million people in Bangladesh having a TIN, only about 40 percent of them file tax returns.
In response to complaints about reduced access to services due to the requirement of showing proof of submission of returns, or PSRs, he said the process had been simplified with online returns.
"Now, submitting a return is much easier online. However, we have considered this.
“What we are doing is bringing everyone who previously needed an e-TIN into the PSR system. We will now split this process.”
He explained that some cases will require immediate return submission while others will only need the TIN for the PSR process.
He highlighted that the PSR system was originally introduced to bring those who had a TIN but were not filing returns into the tax net.
The NBR chief, however, added that with more active monitoring by officials, such leniency will no longer be available.
“Our officers will issue notices and ask them to submit their returns. Ultimately, it's the same. It’s better to submit the PSR instead. Still, you’re saying, we will work that way,” he said.
Khan also warned that the tax burden for those paying lower rates will increase in the upcoming budget.
He explained that the NBR aims to move away from granting exemptions.
“We face immense pressure, so those enjoying tax exemptions will see them gradually removed.
“You will see a major change this year as several exemptions have already been withdrawn,” he concluded.
