3 million submit income tax returns online

The NBR said around 4.5 million taxpayers have already registered on the e-return platform, while over 3 million have completed submission of their returns through the system to date.

The online filing initiative was formally inaugurated on 4 August 2025 by Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed via the NBR’s official portal, www.etaxnbr.gov.bd.

Under a special order issued this year, online submission of income tax returns has been made mandatory for all categories of individual taxpayers, with specific exemptions.

Those exempted include senior citizens aged 65 years and above, physically challenged and special needs taxpayers, Bangladeshis residing abroad, legal representatives filing returns on behalf of deceased taxpayers, and foreign nationals working in Bangladesh.

However, the NBR noted that many taxpayers from the exempted categories are also voluntarily opting for online filing.

Monthly data show a steady and significant increase in e-return submissions.

In August 2025, 251,784 taxpayers filed returns online, followed by 301,302 in September and 454,076 in October.

The number rose sharply in November to 1,040,472, while nearly 1 million taxpayers have already submitted e-returns in December so far.

By comparison, only 1,002,298 taxpayers had filed e-returns during the same period last year.

To facilitate taxpayers, the government has extended the deadline for filing income tax returns until 31 January 2026.

The NBR expressed optimism that more than 4 million taxpayers will submit their returns within the extended timeframe this year.

Although online filing is not compulsory for Bangladeshis living abroad, the NBR has introduced a simplified mechanism to bring them under the digital system.

Expatriate taxpayers can apply for registration by emailing basic information such as passport number, national identity card number and email address to ereturn@etaxnbr.gov.bd.

Upon verification, an OTP and registration link are sent to the applicant’s email address, enabling overseas Bangladeshis to register and submit their income tax returns online.

In addition, authorised representatives are now able to file e-returns on behalf of taxpayers under the current system.

The NBR highlighted that the e-return platform allows taxpayers to file returns without uploading any supporting documents.

Taxpayers can directly enter accurate details of their income, expenditure, assets and liabilities into the system and pay taxes online using debit or credit cards, internet banking or mobile financial services such as bKash and Nagad.

Upon submission, taxpayers can instantly generate and print an acknowledgement slip and an automated income tax certificate.

If any error is detected in a submitted return, taxpayers can file a revised return directly through the e-return system within 180 days of the original submission. So far, nearly 30,000 taxpayers have already submitted revised returns for the 2025–26 tax year.

To make the process more user-friendly, the NBR has arranged training programmes on the e-return system for taxpayers as well as authorised representatives, including income tax lawyers, chartered accountants, cost and management accountants, and chartered secretaries.

A dedicated call centre has also been set up to provide real-time assistance, with taxpayers able to seek immediate support by calling 09643-71-71-71.

In addition, taxpayers can report e-return-related issues in writing through the eTax Service option on the NBR website, while e-return help desks established at all tax zones across the country are providing services and guidance during office hours.

The NBR has urged all individual taxpayers to use the e-return system and submit their income tax returns for the 2025–26 tax year by the extended deadline of 31 January 2026, reports UNB.