No scope for tax exemptions in next budget: NBR Chairman

There will be no scope for exemptions in VAT and import duties in the next budget, said National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Md. Abdur Rahman Khan, noting that tax exemptions in various sectors will be withdrawn in the future.

He made the remarks during a pre-budget discussion with leaders of transport sector organizations to formulate the national revenue budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, held Tuesday at the Revenue Bhaban conference room in Agargaon, Dhaka.

The NBR Chairman said that it has been asked to increase revenue by 50 percent from the last time. Revenue collection of 4 to 6 lakh crore taka is required. There is no alternative to strict measures in the interest of huge revenue collection.

He said that the government will give maximum exemptions in public transport. Initiatives are being taken to reduce turnover tax. Problems are being created in various areas due to tax evasion. Effective initiatives are being taken to provide VAT refunds. Refunds have not been given for one and a half years. Injustice is being done. This will be done for some more days. Until the entire activity is online.

Leaders of Bangladesh Automobiles Assemblers and Manufacturers Association (BAAMA); Bangladesh Inland Waterway (Passenger Carrier) Association (BIWPCA); Bangladesh Motorcycle Assemblers and Manufacturing Association (BMAMA); Bangladesh Shipbuilders Association (BSBA) etc joined the discussion.