Chairman of National Board of Revenue (NBR) Abu Hena Md Ramatul Muneem said that tax returns submission increased by 21 percent as people became aware of the need to pay tax.

Besides, reporters of both print and electronic media play an important role in making people aware of paying taxes.

The NBR Chairman said this while speaking at a pre-budget discussion session with the members of the Economic Reporters’ Forum (ERF), held at the conference hall of the NBR Building in Agargaon, Dhaka. NBR members and senior tax officials were present at the event.

NBR’s pre-budget discussion to formulate budget for FY2024-25 begins Feb 4

ERF Member Doulat Akter Mala presented a 35-point budget recommendation on behalf of the ERF to the NBR. President of ERF Mohammad Refayet Ullah Mirdha, among others ERF members Md Anisul Islam, Ibrahim Hossain Ovi, and Riyad Hossain attended the pre-budget discussion.

The ERF submitted 35 recommendations for the next budget including tax on essential commodities and education items reduced to 5 percent, VAT rate fixed at 7 percent, individual tax-free income limit extended to Tk 5.0 lakh, to introduce asset tax system, etc.

In response, the NBR Chairman said that the revenue board is working on skilled development and simplifying the taxation system along with automation in all of the sectors.

NBR seeks budget proposals from chambers and institutions by February 8

He said the online return submission increased and E-chalan and other online services are gaining popularity now.