The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has extended the income tax returns submission date to December 31, considering application of trade bodies. NBR Chairman Abu Hena Md. Rahmatul Muneem today officially announced the time extension while speaking at a seminar, on the occasion of National Income Tax Day 2022, held at the conference hall of Revenue Bhaban in Dhaka’s Segunbagicha. READ: Tax lawyers seek 2 months more for filing income tax returns Mohammad Muslim Chowdhury, Comptroller and Auditor General of Bangladesh, was present at the function as the chief guest. The NBR chairman said that around 22 lakh income tax returns were submitted till November 29. Many new taxpayers are willingly submitting returns this year and a good number of taxpayers sought time extension. Considering these, the time has been extended, he said. READ: NBR counting losses for rampant tax evasion He also said, submitting income tax returns is being simplified so that people can complete the process in a hassle-free environment. Anyone with taxable income must submit returns, the NBR chairman said. Read More: How to file your Tax Returns in Bangladesh

From now on, if anyone wants to invest in savings certificates above Tk 5 lakh, he or she must show proof of last year's income tax return submission. Besides opening an account in Post Office Savings Bank, returns have also been made mandatory. The department of debt management of Bangladesh Bank (BB) issued a circular in this regard on Monday. This circular has been sent to the top executives of all commercial banks operating in the country. Also read: Income tax returns made mandatory to get 40 types of services According to the circular, the Directorate of National Savings Certificates, and the Government Gazette, the Central Bank has directed the banks to take necessary measures for proper compliance of section 48 of the Finance Act, 2022 in the case of investments exceeding Tk 5 lakh at Savings Certificates and Post Office Savings Banks. As per the instructions, from now on if a person wants to open a postal savings account or investment of more than Tk 5 lakh in savings certificate, he will have to show proof of deposit of income tax return of the last year. It means the government thinks your income is within the taxable income limit. Similarly, if a person has a bank account, in any case, if the credit balance exceeds Tk 10 lakh, the bank will have to provide the return deposit certificate. Also read: DSCC conducts drive at Gonoshasthaya Nagar Hospital for non-payment of holding taxes since 1998-99 The same will happen in the case of applying for a bank loan of more than Tk 5 lakh or taking a credit card. That is, he cannot do any of this without filing an income tax return.