Fully automated tax refunds to launch next year

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) plans to introduce fully automated refunds for individual income tax and corporate tax from next year to make the process faster and easier for taxpayers, NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan said yesterday.

“Automation is already in place for VAT (value-added tax) refunds, and the system for income tax refunds is almost ready,” Khan said. “We want the tax return submission period to feel like a celebration, encouraging taxpayers to file their returns with the hope of receiving refunds.”

He made the remarks at a pre-budget meeting organised by the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) at the World Trade Centre conference hall in Chattogram.

Khan said that overall tax and revenue collection remains very low and that the country’s economy needs a significant boost in revenue.

He, however, promised that the government will rely on rationalised tax rates rather than pressuring everyone to increase revenue.

The NBR chief also said the government is working to modernise and make bond management, tax, VAT, and customs systems paperless. “To encourage compliance, we have simplified rules so people do not hesitate to pay taxes, VAT, and customs duties,” he added.

At the meeting, CCCI Administrator Md Motaher Hossain submitted the chamber’s budget proposals for the upcoming fiscal year.

He suggested raising the tax exemption limit for general taxpayers to Tk 5 lakh, citing current inflation.

In his written proposal, Hossain also noted that advance income tax (AIT) deducted on imported raw materials is supposed to be refunded, but the process is complicated, and AIT is often settled without proper adjustment against tax liabilities.

Representatives from various business sectors shared their proposals and challenges. Business leaders urged the government to expand the tax network rather than increase the burden on compliant taxpayers.

Mohammad Amirul Hoque, former director of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and founding managing director of Seacom Group, stressed the need for a digital payment system for purchases from street vendors and small traders to boost revenue collection.

He also called for removing weight restrictions on goods transport along the Dhaka-Chattogram highway, saying they disadvantage Chattogram businesses.

Amir Humayun Mahmud Chowdhury, chairman of the Chattogram Port Users Forum and former CCCI president, said importers are facing delays at the country’s main port due to a shortage and malfunction of scanners.

“Private firms should be allowed to handle the installation and operation of scanners to ensure smooth operations,” he suggested.

Chowdhury also called for full-fledged lab testing facilities at Chattogram Customs House, saying their absence is causing serious difficulties for importers.

Other speakers included former CCCI vice president Syed M Tanvir, former directors Moinul Islam Mahmud, Nasir Uddin Chowdhury, M Mohiuddin Chowdhury, BSM Group President Abul Bashar Chowdhury, GPH Ispat Deputy MD Almas Shimul, and leaders from Chattogram Garments Accessories, Customs C&F Agents, and Rangamati Chamber.