No Fear in E-Returns, Says NBR Chairman
National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan has assured taxpayers that there is no reason to fear submitting income tax returns online, noting that more than 15,000 taxpayers are registering every day to file e-returns.
“Providing bank information while filing online returns is nothing to worry about. We do not monitor anyone’s bank transactions or personal data,” he said. “Only if required for investigation purposes can our intelligence wing take action in accordance with the law. So, there is no cause for concern if returns are filed properly and lawfully.”
He made the remarks on Sunday afternoon, December 21, at an event held at the Shafiqul Kabir Auditorium of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) in Segunbagicha. The programme marked the inauguration of an Income Tax Return Supporting Booth for DRU members.
The NBR chairman said online return submission is now open to all taxpayers, while manual submission remains available for elderly taxpayers. “VAT is still being collected in paper form, but from next year VAT submission will also be fully online. There is nothing to fear in filing tax or VAT returns online,” he added. However, he warned that intentionally providing false information could lead to legal complications if detected.
The event was presided over by DRU President Abu Saleh Akon, with General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel conducting the programme. Treasurer Niaz Mahmud Sohel delivered the welcome address.
In his keynote speech, Md Abdur Rahman Khan praised DRU’s initiative to set up a support booth for assisting journalists in filing income tax returns. He also referred to recent policy directions from the Chief Adviser regarding tax compliance.
“Submitting taxes online is not complicated. If information is provided correctly and systematically, there should be no problems. But if anyone provides false information or discrepancies are found, the responsibility will lie with the individual concerned,” he said.
The NBR chairman further revealed that more than 2.6 million taxpayers have already submitted their e-returns online in the current FY 2025–26. Since August, online submission of income tax returns has been made mandatory for all taxpayers. After extending the deadline once, the NBR has set December 31 as the final date for individual taxpayers.
Asked whether the deadline would be extended further, he said no decision had yet been taken. “This is a state decision. As this is the first time online filing has been made mandatory, preparation time is a factor. If the government feels another extension is necessary, it may consider it. For now, it is too early to say,” he explained.
Speaking as a special guest, SM Sakil Ahmad, a senior lawyer and Special Public Prosecutor with the rank of Assistant Attorney General, said, “Journalists are the conscience of the nation. If you take a positive role in filing tax returns, others in society will be encouraged by your example.”
DRU President Abu Saleh Akon said journalists are often wrongly perceived as unwilling to comply with the law. “In reality, we respect the law and want to pay taxes out of patriotism. Fear discourages many from paying taxes; removing this fear will motivate more people to comply,” he noted.
DRU General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel described income tax return submission as a complex process that has become much easier through online systems, urging the NBR to play a more proactive role in increasing public engagement.
In his welcome speech, Treasurer Niaz Mahmud Sohel said filing income tax returns is a civic duty driven by patriotism. He added that DRU has launched the supporting booth for the first time to simplify the process for its members, with services provided by income tax lawyers and consultants, and expressed hope that similar initiatives would continue.
Others present included Md Jahangir Alam, Executive Director and tax consultant of Golden Bangladesh; DRU Executive Member Mohammad Naimuddin; prominent lawyer and journalist Mia Hossain; and other DRU members.
DBTech/NMS/EC/OR
