B Mirror Desk : Individual taxpayers can now claim tax refunds for contributions made to nine non-profit organizations that the government has officially recognized as public welfare institutions.

According to a recent announcement in the gazette, individual taxpayers’ contributions or donations to these organizations would not be subject to income tax under the applicable provisions of the Income Tax Act.

The nine sanctioned organizations include: Bangladesh Thalassemia Foundation, Mastul Foundation, SOS Children’s Village International in Bangladesh, Rogi Kallyan Samiti, Bangladesh National Federation of the Deaf, Gonoshasthaya Kendra, Dhaka Ahsania Mission, Palliative Care Society of Bangladesh (PCSB), and Agami Education Foundation.

The notification indicates that this tax exemption is effective immediately and will remain in place until June 30, 2030, as reported by UNB.

This initiative is part of the government’s continuous efforts to promote charitable donations towards social welfare, healthcare, and education in Bangladesh.

The recognized organizations operate in essential areas such as medical assistance, education for disadvantaged children, palliative care, and services for individuals with disabilities.

Previously, only a select few institutions qualified for such tax-exempt donations, but this updated list signifies a wider acknowledgment of the significant contributions made by various organizations in the non-profit sector.

Officials from the National Board of Revenue (NBR) have stated that donors are required to keep accurate records of their donations to claim the tax benefits on their annual returns.