NBR extends income tax return filing deadline to Feb 28 for election

Ahead of the parliamentary election, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has extended the deadline for individual taxpayers to submit their income tax returns by another month.

As a result, income tax returns for the 2025–26 tax year can now be filed until Feb 28.

This is the third time the deadline has been extended by the tax collecting body.

The NBR pushed back the deadline in a special order on Thursday.

The deadline for submitting returns was initially set on Nov 30. It was then extended to Dec 31 and then Jan 31.In the current tax year, filing returns online has been made mandatory. However, the provision has been relaxed for persons aged 65 years or above, the physically disabled or those with special needs, Bangladeshis residing abroad and deceased taxpayers who filed returns through legal representatives, and foreign nationals working in Bangladesh. However, these individuals can also file e-returns if they wish.

Authorised representatives of taxpayers can also file e-returns online this year.

Although there is no obligation to file returns online in the case of Bangladeshis residing abroad, they can still file e-returns while abroad by submitting information such as their passport number, national identity card number, e-mail address, etc.

In addition, those who are unable to file returns online have been asked to apply to the concerned tax commissioner by Feb 15.

Currently, returns are being filed online without uploading any documentation. Taxpayers can immediately receive an automatic e-return filing acknowledgement after paying income tax through any banking service or mobile financial service.

The National Board of Revenue has launched a call centre to assist taxpayers with any problems related to e-returns.

Taxpayers can get immediate solutions to their e-return related queries over the phone by calling the centre at 09643717171. In addition, assistance is also available from e-return help desks established in all tax regions across the country.

Last year, the deadline for individual taxpayers was extended several times to Feb 15. Individuals can also file their tax returns after the deadline, but will have to pay a fine.

If the return is not submitted within the specified time, late interest of 2 percent per month will have to be paid as per the Income Tax Act. In addition, there will be changes in the tax assessment process. The taxpayer will then have to pay tax on the total income.

Under those circumstances, a taxpayer will not be exempt from income tax or get tax relief. Partial months will also be considered as full months for the purpose of calculations.