Bangladesh tax filings rise 77% amid early rebate

Individual income tax filings in Bangladesh rose 77% in July through September as an early filing rebate encouraged submissions, according to National Board of Revenue (NBR) sources.

About 1.253 million returns were submitted for the 2026-27 tax year, compared with 709,000 during the same period a year earlier. Around 300,000 taxpayers claimed the incentive.

Taxpayers filing by Sept. 30 qualified for a 5% rebate on payable tax, capped at 25,000 taka (approximately $203). Returns filed from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31 receive no incentive, while later submissions face escalating penalties.

Tax expert Snehasish Barua said participation remained limited because taxpayers whose liabilities were already settled through source deductions or advance payments were excluded. He urged officials to extend benefits to all compliant early filers.