Filing income tax online has become easier in Bangladesh with the launch of the e-return system by the National Board of Revenue (NBR). Although the tax filing season is only from July 1st to November 30th each year, planning and preparing your documents in advance helps avoid last-minute hassles.
As an online tax filer, you must have a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and be registered on the e-return system. Once signed up, you can login, fill in the electronic form, and submit your income tax return fully online.
How to File Your Income Tax Online in Bangladesh?
This comprehensive guide will take you through the entire process, from getting a TIN to downloading the acknowledgement receipt after successful submission. Follow the steps below to file your income tax conveniently from home.
Who is Required to Pay Taxes in Bangladesh?
According to NBR rules, you must file a tax return if your annual income exceeds certain thresholds. For the 2023-2024 tax year, the income tax limit is:
- BDT 3,50,000 for general taxpayers
- BDT 4,00,000 for women and senior citizens above 65 years
- BDT 5,00,000 for war-wounded gazette freedom fighters
Even if your income is below these amounts, you still need to file returns in certain cases, such as:
- Having a TIN certificate
- Previous tax assessment record
- Living in an urban area
- Owning a car
- Being a member of certain professional bodies
- Running a business
- Participating in government tenders
- Contesting in elections
Registered companies and NGOs must also submit tax returns regardless of income. Essentially, having a 12-digit TIN means you are liable to file either a regular or zero tax return each year. Non-compliance can lead to penalties.
Documents Required for Filing Tax
When submitting your income tax return, have the following documents ready:
- Copy of national ID card (NID)
- Taxpayer ID number (TIN)
- Permanent and present address details
- Previous year’s tax return
- Salary certificate from employer (for salaried individuals)
- Bank account statements
- Relevant certificates or proofs for different incomes
- Details of investments eligible for tax rebate
- Information on assets and properties
- Tax exemption certificates, if applicable
Providing complete and accurate information ensures you meet all requirements for tax filing.
Step by Step Guide to e-Filing Income Tax Return Online
Follow these steps to file your tax return electronically on NBR’s e-return portal:
1. Obtain a TIN Certificate
As a Bangladeshi citizen above 18 years, you must have a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) to file returns. When applying for a TIN, you will be allotted a specific tax zone or region. It is your responsibility to declare your income and submit returns to the assigned tax office, either personally or via a representative.
2. Register for the e-Return System
To file returns online, you need to first register on the e-return system using your TIN and mobile number registered in your name. Here are the steps to register:
- Visit NBR’s website and go to e-return system registration
- Enter your 10-digit TIN in the first box
- In the next box, enter your NID-linked mobile number (without 0 at the start)
- Type the captcha code correctly
- Click on ‘Verify’ button
- Verify your phone through the OTP sent
- Set a login password for the e-return system
3. Login to the e-Return Portal
Go to NBR’s website and click on ‘e-Return’ on the left sidebar. Alternatively, visit https://etaxnbr.gov.bd
On the login page, enter your TIN, password, and captcha code. Then click on ‘Sign In’.
Once signed in, you will see a dashboard. Click on ‘Return Submission’ on the left menu.
4. Provide Tax Assessment Information
At the start of the e-return form, you need to give ‘Tax Assessment Information’ related to:
- Return type: Individual or company
- Assessment year
- Income year
- Income source details
- Tax-exempt income amount, if applicable
- Residency status
5. Enter Income Details
Next, select your income heads from the available options:
- Salary
- Interest on securities
- House property income
- Agricultural income
- Business/professional income
- Capital gains
- Income from other sources
For example, if your only income is salary, choose ‘Salary’ as the head. For income from other sources, pick the right category from the dropdown menu.
Click ‘Save and Continue’ after providing details to move to the next section.
6. Provide Additional Information
Here you will specify:
- Location of your primary income source (Dhaka, Chittagong, other cities, etc.)
- If you are a war-wounded freedom fighter
- If you have disability benefits
- Eligibility for tax rebates from investments
- If you are a shareholder or director in any company
Answer Yes or No as applicable and proceed.
7. Fill Out IT10B Form
If your total assets exceed BDT 40 lakh, you must submit the IT10B expenditure statement.
For assets below BDT 40 lakh, share your personal and family expenses fully. Then continue.
8. Give Other Income Details
Provide information on any other taxable income like:
- Income from other sources
- Foreign income
- Tax-exempt income
For instance, for ‘other sources’, you must give income details, paying authority, latest payment date, amount, and related expenses. This will automatically calculate the net taxable income.
Click ‘Save and Continue’ to move forward after entering data.
9. Select Investment Category
If you have tax-saving investments such as:
- Life insurance premiums
- DPS
- Approved savings certificates
- GPF
- Benevolent funds
- Group insurance
- Approved stocks/shares
Choose the applicable option. For example, for DPS, enter bank name, account number, and deposit amount. You will see your total eligible investment for tax rebate.
Proceed after filling details.
10. Give Expense Details
In this section, you can specify your expenditures under:
- Food
- Clothing
- Accommodation
- Children’s education
- Transport and conveyance
- Household utilities
- Medical
- Tax and legal expenses
- Entertainment
- Other expenses
Add the amounts and any comments. This will help calculate your total tax liability.
11. Review Tax and Payment Details
Here you’ll see:
- Any tax deducted at source
- Advance tax paid
- Total tax payable (after adjusting TDS and advance tax)
If fully covered, tax payable will show as zero. This is called a ‘Zero Return’.
12. Preview Your e-Return
To submit the return online, opt for ‘e-Return’. Review the entire form preview.
Under Verification, choose ‘Yes’ to give your consent. This will instantly submit your return with no further changes allowed.
If you see any errors, select ‘No’ to edit the form. Once correct, come back and submit by choosing ‘Yes’.
13. Download Acknowledgement
If successful, you will see:
“Congratulations! Your return submission was successful”
Download the Reference ID and Acknowledgement Receipt as proof of filing.
And you’re done! You have filed your income tax return fully online using the NBR e-return system. Consider taking assistance from professionals for a smooth tax filing experience.
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FAQs on Income Tax Online in Bangladesh
Here are some common queries people have about online tax filing:
1. Can I file a tax return without a TIN certificate?
No, having a TIN certificate is mandatory to file your tax returns in Bangladesh. All individuals and entities with taxable income must first obtain a 12-digit Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).
2. How do I correct errors in my e-return?
If you spot any incorrect information in the tax return preview, select ‘No’ under the Verification prompt. This will take you back to the edit mode to make changes in the submitted details. Rectify the errors and submit again by confirming.
3. What documents do I need to file income tax online?
Keep your national ID, TIN, address proof, bank statements, salary certificate, previous year’s tax return, investment proofs, and income-related documents ready. These will help you accurately fill the online return form.
4. Can I save a draft of the tax return form online?
Yes, the e-return system allows you to save a draft while filling the form. You can log back in later and complete the submission. Remember to submit before the November 30 deadline.
5. How can I pay my income tax liability online?
If tax payable shows after filing your return, you can visit NBR’s website to pay directly through debit/credit card, mobile banking, or internet banking. Enter your TIN and the tax amount to complete the payment.
6. What if I miss the tax filing deadline?
You must file your return within the July 1 to November 30 window. Late filing after the deadline can attract penalties under tax laws. If unable to meet the last date, apply for a filing extension to avoid fines.
7. Do I need to submit documents after e-filing tax returns?
No documents need to be sent physically after e-filing your returns. However, do retain the acknowledgement receipt and documents as proof in case the tax department requires verification later.
8. How long does it take to process e-filed tax returns?
Online filed returns are instantly registered on NBR’s system. Processing time depends on the tax department’s scrutiny and verification processes. Refunds, if applicable, are issued within 1-2 months.
9. Can I file previous year’s tax returns online?
Yes, you can file belated returns for previous assessment years using the e-return system. However, late filing charges may apply based on the delay.
10. Is online tax filing in Bangladesh safe?
Yes, the e-return system uses secure encryption and protocols to protect your confidential tax information. You also need to authenticate using your TIN and password to submit the returns.
Conclusion
E-filing your taxes through NBR’s online process is quite straightforward if you have all documents handy. Register on the system, provide income and investment data, preview form, verify, and download acknowledgement – these simple steps help you file accurately and on time. Seek assistance from tax professionals if you face any issues navigating the portal. Stay compliant, avoid penalties, and contribute to nation-building by paying your income tax digitally.
