The government has mandated that income tax returns must be filed online. This directive was disclosed in a special order signed by Md. Abdur Rahman Khan, the Chairman of the National Board of Revenue, on Sunday, August 3.

Nevertheless, expatriate Bangladeshis, individuals aged 65 and older, persons with physical disabilities or special needs (upon submission of a certificate), and legal representatives acting on behalf of deceased taxpayers are exempt from this requirement.

Taxpayers falling into these four categories have the option to file their returns online if they choose to do so.

The order further specifies that if a general taxpayer encounters technical difficulties with the e-return system that prevent them from filing their returns, they must submit a written request to the relevant Excise Commissioner by October 31, 2025, providing valid reasons. With the approval of the Additional or Joint Tax Commissioner, they may then file paper returns.

Exercising the authority granted by sub-section (f) of section 328 of the Income Tax Act 2024, the National Board of Revenue has mandated that all individual taxpayers file their income tax returns online (www.ctaxnbf.gov.bd) starting August 4, with certain exceptions.

Last year, the requirement for online return filing was imposed on all government officials in Dhaka, Narayanganj, and Gazipur, as well as all scheduled banks and several large corporations.

The NBR had previously announced that by mid-year, online filing of returns would become compulsory for all taxpayers.

During an event on March 27 of this year, the NBR Chairman noted that out of 14.5 million TIN holders, only 4.5 million had submitted their returns.