The National Board of Revenue (NBR) is set to introduce a year-round tax return submission system from the next fiscal year, aiming to simplify compliance and expand the tax base, according to its Chairman Md. Abdur Rahman Khan.
Speaking at a pre-budget discussion for the 2026-27 fiscal year on Tuesday at the NBR conference room in the Revenue Building, he said the initiative is part of broader reforms to modernise the tax system, enhance transparency, and improve overall revenue collection efficiency.
Khan said revenue collection has gained significant momentum due to multiple initiatives taken by the NBR. He noted that nearly Tk 28,000 crore more revenue has been collected this year compared to the same period last year, attributing the growth to ongoing digitalisation, increased transparency, and better coordination.
He highlighted that reforms in customs, VAT, and income tax operations have played a crucial role, with greater use of technology across all three wings. The introduction of the National Single Window has simplified import-export procedures, while online bond management and risk-based verification systems have reduced the need for physical inspection of goods, facilitating smoother trade.
He also said that the ASYCUDA system is being integrated with port digital platforms, Bangladesh Bank, and other commercial data systems, enabling seamless information exchange and reducing opportunities for revenue evasion.
Significant changes have also been made in audit systems. Manual audit selection has been replaced with a risk-based approach using 20 indicators, while joint audits between VAT and income tax departments have been introduced to bring large taxpayers under closer monitoring.
The NBR chairman further said digitalisation in the income tax sector has been strengthened, with plans to make 100 percent online tax return submission mandatory from the 2025-26 fiscal year. Data from paper-based returns is also being incorporated into a central database to support future audits and analysis.
He added that transparency in revenue reporting has improved, as the NBR now directly uses data from the Treasury and the iBAS++ system, eliminating discrepancies with figures from the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) and Bangladesh Bank.
To further boost revenue collection, three separate task forces have been formed for income tax, VAT, and customs. Monitoring has also been intensified on the assets of wealthy individuals and property transfers in city corporation areas. Additionally, steps are being taken to increase revenue through the introduction of inheritance tax.
