Submitting a return on income tax is a legal obligation for every TIN (Tax Identification Number) holder, regardless of taxability. Even individuals with no income or taxable earnings must file returns to inform the government of Bangladesh about their financial status. For those whose income falls within the tax-free limit, submitting this declaration incurs no tax liability. That’s where the return without payments comes in, submitted digitally, making the process easier than ever. Let’s explore how to submit zero income tax return online in Bangladesh seamlessly and effectively. What is a Zero Return? Filing a return without tax payment is commonly known as a “zero return”. It applies to cases where the declared income falls within the tax-free threshold. In such instances, exemptions, rebates, or advance tax payments may reduce the taxable amount to zero. Even when no tax is due, filing a return without tax payment is mandatory to declare income, expenses, assets, and liabilities, ensuring compliance and accurate record-keeping. Who is Eligible for Zero Return Filing? TIN-holding citizens whose annual income falls within the tax-free limit are eligible to file a zero return. The income thresholds per annum (in a fiscal year) are as follows: - Women and individuals aged 65 or above: Up to BDT 4,00,000- Third gender and persons with disabilities: Less than BDT 4,75,000- Gazetted war-wounded freedom fighters: Up to BDT 5,00,000- All other individuals: Not exceeding BDT 3,50,000. Read more: e-TIN: Online registration process in Bangladesh Online Method of Filing Zero-Income Tax Return General Method To begin the process, first log in to the National Board of Revenue (NBR) e-return platform (https://etaxnbr.gov.bd/#/auth/sign-in). Before proceeding, ensure all relevant documents related to income, expenditure, debts, and assets are prepared. This will not only ensure the accuracy of the information but also expedite the entire process. According to the traditional rules of digital services, zero returns can be filed either as a single-page or multiple-page return, depending on the level of detail required. In the case of a single-page return, all income, expenditure, and assets must be recorded briefly. This format does not automatically calculate values based on the provided information, so all details must be entered manually. In the case of taxable income, the specific tax amount must also be entered manually. Generally, the tax payable is determined based on total income, and tax rebates are deducted. When the tax payable for the return is zero, no further calculations are necessary, and the tax payable remains zero. For detailed returns, calculations are automatically determined according to the information provided. Read more: How to submit income tax returns online The first question on the form is crucial, as it determines whether taxable income exists. Based on the answer, relevant sections for providing additional details will either be enabled or disabled. If there is no income, select the tab ‘No’, which will deactivate all income heads. If the income amount is not taxable or subject to exemptions or rebates, a return without payments is applicable. In that case, select ‘Yes’. Other options on the Assessment page should be filled out in the same manner as for any return. After clicking the tab ‘Save and Continue’, an additional Information page will appear. If ‘No’ was selected for taxable income, the 'No' option will be automatically specified in the rebate section. As a result, several options for minimum tax calculation will not appear. Only shareholders of a company and IT10B categories will be listed. Appropriate information for each of these categories must be provided. For individuals with assets and debts, submitting IT10B is required. After completing this section, click the tab ‘Save and Continue’. The expense calculation page will then appear, along with additional tabs on the right side: Tax and Payment, and Return Review. If IT10B was kept active on the previous page, Assets and Liabilities will be listed as a new tab. After filling out the entire form, click ‘Proceed to Online Return’. Next, review the page, and select the tab ‘Submit Return’. Now, the process will be completed. Read more: How to Deactivate TIN in Bangladesh: A Comprehensive Guide How to Submit Zero Return in Sanchayapatra To begin the process, select the detailed return option. When asked whether there is taxable income, choose ‘Yes’. This will activate the ‘Income from Financial Assets’ option under ‘Heads of Income’, which should then be selected. Consequently, the rebate option will become active on the subsequent ‘Additional Information’ page. To claim the rebate, choose ‘Yes’ in this section. Additionally, the IT10B category should remain active. On the ‘Income’ page, other general tabs like ‘Expenditure’ and ‘Rebate’ will be visible. The main task on this page is to provide information related to the profit from the Sanchayapatra (savings certificate). On the ‘Tax Rebate’ page, select ‘Approved Savings Certificate’ under the Investment category and enter the savings certificate details. The rebate determined for the savings certificate investment will automatically display. The maximum rebate for savings certificates is BDT 500,000, even if the investment exceeds this amount. On the following page, the expense calculation will be displayed. Here, the Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) from the profit earned on the savings certificates should be entered. The total TDS must be placed in the ‘Payment of Tax at Source’ box. This amount includes the quantity that was earlier entered on the savings certificates under the ‘Income’ page. Read more: How to Buy Sanchayapatra in Bangladesh: A Beginner's Guide Since the IT10B category remains active, the ‘Assets and Liabilities’ section will appear as usual. In this section, the ‘Financial Assets’ option will be available, where the Sanchayapatra information must be entered again. Next, provide the source amount of funds used for purchasing all assets, including the savings certificates. To ensure accurate calculations, the amounts for ‘Fund Outflow’ and ‘Source of Funds’ should match. After completing this, click on the tab ‘Save and Continue’ to move to the ‘Tax and Payment’ page, where the final tax payable will be automatically calculated. To verify the tax deducted at source, answer ‘Yes’ to the question regarding whether tax has been paid at source during the current financial year. Then, by selecting ‘Yes’ for the ‘Tax Payment Update Status’ option, the ledger page will appear. From the left-hand menu, navigate to ‘Savings Certificate’ under ‘Claim Source Tax’. On this page, re-enter the Sanchayapatra details, including the TDS. After saving, this information will appear below in the at-a-glance TDS list. Next, go to ‘Tax Payment Status’ at the bottom of the left-hand menu, where the updated source tax status will be visible. Click on ‘Go to e-Return’ at the bottom right to return to the previous ‘Tax and Payment’ page. At this point, the final tax payable section will show as zero. After confirming that all information is correct, click on the tab ‘Proceed to Online Return’. The entire return will be displayed on the next page. Review all information again, then select ‘Submit Return’ to complete the process. Summing Up The process of submitting Zero Income Tax Return Online in Bangladesh begins with preparation – gathering the necessary documents makes the process flawless and faster. Every detail must be consistent to avoid errors. Tax rebates, exemptions, and advance tax payments must be updated to ensure the final payment is generated accurately. Since all TDS and rebates are stored in the user’s account, adjusting calculations with previous data becomes hassle-free. Read more: Sanchayapatra at Maturity: Encashment or Renewal of Bangladesh’s National Savings Certificate

Shanchayapatra or national savings certificate has long served as a reliable saving scheme, providing a dependable path toward financial stability for the people of Bangladesh. Upon reaching maturity, some holders may find it necessary to withdraw their funds, whether for personal expenses, medical needs, or investment opportunities. For others, however, the renewal option of their Sanchayapatra offers a chance to continue growing their savings. Let’s explore what steps to take when it reaches maturity. Sanchayapatra Encashment Process Completing the encashment of Sanchayapatra typically requires around 2 to 3 business days after maturity depending on the issuing bank. For certain banks, processing may even take a few additional days. Each bank maintains its unique form to carry out the process. The first step in withdrawing funds is to fill out a form. After completing it, the form must be manually signed and submitted to the branch of the bank from where the Sanchayapatra was purchased. Read more: Buying US Dollar Investment Bonds: A Comprehensive Guide for NRBs If the investor cannot appear at the bank or sign the form due to physical limitations, a nominee can carry out the procedure on his/her behalf. In such cases, the investor must provide a medical certificate that verifies their physical condition. In addition to the investor, the nominee may withdraw only the profit earned from the Sanchayapatra. However, this requires explicit written authorization from the investor, including their signature and a discharge of the profit coupon. The initial deposit value, however, cannot be accessed solely through an authorization letter or permit. For Sanchayapatra purchased online, this procedure becomes much simpler. This online context refers to the National Savings Scheme Online Management System. In this regard, Bangladesh Bank recently issued directives to all its branches and scheduled banks. The principal of Sanchayapatra bought via the system will be credited directly to the investor’s account upon the exact day of maturity. Read more: How to Buy Bangladesh Government Treasury Bond: Everything You Need to Know Additionally, any profits will be transferred in installments on schedule. All transactions will be processed through the Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) system. It means neither the investor nor their nominee will need to visit the bank to receive the profits or maturity value. Sanchayapatra Renewal Process With the automation of the new system, paperwork-related complications are set to reduce significantly. Here are the updated renewal guidelines for Sanchayapatra as per the directives of Bangladesh Bank: - For Family Sanchayapatra, Three-Month Profit-Based Sanchayapatra, and Pensioner Sanchayapatra, only the original invested amount will be automatically reinvested.- For five-year Sanchayapatra and Post Office Sanchayapatra, both the principal and the profits will be automatically reinvested. Read more: Investment: What Factors to Consider before Investing Money? In these cases, the maximum investment limit will be applied from the date of reinvestment.Profits from Pensioner Sanchayapatra will now be disbursed monthly rather than quarterly. In a Nutshell The recent advancements in Shanchayapatra’s encashment and renewal processes offer a streamlined, hassle-free experience. By utilizing the National Savings Scheme's online management system, investors gain seamless access to renew or encash Sanchayapatra. Thanks to the EFT system, funds are deposited directly into the account on maturity day, eliminating the need for in-person visits or form submissions. With automatic renewal options, holders can effortlessly reinvest, avoiding administrative delays and potential complications. Together, these improvements ensure a smoother, more accessible experience for all Sanchayapatra holders. Read more: Is Sanchayapatra a Good Investment Read more: How to Buy Sanchayapatra in Bangladesh: A Beginner's Guide

Sanchayapatra is a popular investment option in Bangladesh that has gained significant attention from investors in recent years. It is a savings instrument offered by the Bangladesh government, designed to help individuals save money for the future and grow it at the same time. The program offers an attractive interest rate, making it a great investment opportunity for those looking to secure their financial future. The Sanchayapatra program is considered to be a safe investment option as it is backed by the Bangladesh government. It offers a guaranteed return on investment and is ideal for individuals who are looking for a low-risk investment option. The program is open to everyone, including students, housewives, and the elderly, making it an inclusive investment option. In this article, we will discuss different types of Sanchayapatra and the process of buying Sanchayapatra in Bangladesh in 2023. Types of Sanchayapatra in Bangladesh Currently, the Directorate of National Savings of the government offers 11 unique investment programs. Among these programs, there are four distinct types of Sanchayapatras: 3 Monthly Interest Bearing Sanchayapatra, 5 Years Sanchayapatra, Pensioner Sanchayapatra, and Poribar Sanchayapatra. 3-Monthly Profit Bearing Sanchayapatra This investment program, also called the "Tin Mash Ontor Munafa Vittik Sanchaypatra," requires a minimal investment amounting to Tk 1,00,000 and has a three-year maturity period. This program was first introduced in 2004. Read More: What to Consider Before Buying Land: A Step-by-Step Guide Price Tk. 1,00,000, Tk. 2,00,000, Tk. 5,00,000, and Tk. 10,00,000. Duration Three years maturity period. Where to Buy Purchase and encashment can be done from National Savings Directorate, Bangladesh Bank branches, commercial banks and post offices. Profits Name of savings scheme Duration The Current rate of profit   Amount of investment         Up to Tk. 15,00,000 Tk. 15,00,001 to Tk. 30,00,000 Tk. 30,00,001 and more 3-Monthly Interest Bearing Sanchayapatra       Rescheduled Profit Rate (%)     After one year 10.00% 10.00 9.06 8.15   After two years 10.50% 10.50 9.51 8.56   After three years 11.04% 11.04 10.00 9.00 (Source: National Savings Directorate, retrieved on April 04, 2023) Read More: Shares vs Bonds: What is the Ideal Investment Opportunity Tax For up to Tk 5,00,000 (five lacs) investment, 5% tax is deducted at source on the profit, and for investment above five lac 10% tax is deducted at source on the profit. Who Can Buy 3-monthly Profit Bearing Sanchayapatra? All Bangladeshi citizens regardless of profession, or educational levelAny certified autistic cooperative institution (the profits of which must be used to benefit those with autism) approved by the District Social Services Office. Highest Ceiling (max limit) for Buying 3-Monthly Interest Bearing Sanchayapatra The ceiling for investment is capped at Tk 30,00,000 for individual investors and Tk 60,00,000 for joint investors. Other Benefits - Profit is payable quarterly.- Nominees can be appointed.- After the death of the purchaser, the nominee can immediately encash the savings certificate and withdraw the money or keep it and withdraw the profit, as usual, every three (3) months until maturity. Read More: Apartment Buying Mistakes to Avoid to Secure Your Investment

The second wave of the corona has already hit Bangladesh. This made a huge impact on the economy, but the situation is comparatively better than last year. The government has already withdrawn the lockdowns, and the economy is running again despite the high infection rate. So, if you have savings, you may think about further investments to multiply the net worth. Nevertheless, no investment is risk-free, and it is not possible to avoid 100% risk by investing with a deep analysis, but there are possibilities to reduce the capital. We have found some safe investment plans in this Covid-19 pandemic. Should you Save or Invest During the Pandemic? We all are in a critical situation. If this is considered, it is better to save money for now - which can help to serve our basic needs and help in difficult times. But it all depends on you. If you have enough savings, you may go for a small investment. Any investment decision where you are expecting future wealth, you should be careful before taking any decision. Since the economy is not stable yet, it would not be appropriate to make a large investment decision. If you are able to take more risk, then you can think of large investments by following the right strategy. Read Investment Guide: How Bangladeshi Youths Can Invest money and Create Wealth? However, most of us like to avoid the stock market in order to reduce the risk of financial matters and invest our money in various savings schemes. Different investment opportunities provide more capital protection than the stock market but are not able to give higher returns. So, at the moment, you should set aside some of your savings in case of an emergency. Where to Invest? Decide Yourself When we talk about investments, we keep aside the industrialists and big businessmen. They have their own money; they can easily take loans from banks and financial institutions. They can do business with it; they can also build a factory. But ordinary people with low incomes have a minimum idea of where to go and what to invest in. Hence, many do not understand and live in confusion. Following are the low-risk investment plans, and some have no risk at all. Sanchayapatra There are not many investment opportunities in Bangladesh! Those who do not want to take the risk or have no chance to take a risk, can buy sanchayapatra. Needless to say, Sanchayapatra is better than any conventional investment option in the market. Read Saving vs. Investing Money: Know the Pros and Cons At one time, the National Savings Department used to advertise in daily newspapers for the sale of sanchayapatra. The department has not been giving such advertisements for several years. Because people already know the benefits of it. There are currently four types of sanchayapatra in Bangladesh, 3 Monthly Interest bearing Sanchayapatra, 5 Years Sanchayapatra, Pensioner Sanchayapatra and Poribar Sanchayapatra. The highest profits are made from Pensioner Sanchayapatra. The interest rate at the end of the term is 11.76 percent. However, not everyone can buy these savings certificates even if they get more profit. Only retired government employees can buy it. At the end of the five-year term, the Poribar Sanchayapatra yields a profit of 11.52 percent. At the end of 5 Year Sanchayapatra, the interest rate is 11.28 percent. 3 Monthly Interest bearing Sanchayapatra are valid for three years. The interest rate on these savings certificates at the end of the term is 11.04 percent. Read Angel Investment 101: Is It the Right Track for Your Startup? Bank Banks can be one of the best alternatives for investing in Sanchayapatra. Long-term investments, as well as Fixed Deposits (FDR), can also be made. Money can be kept every month too. All public and private banks can be the place of investment. By understanding, researching, and deeply judging, one can keep the money even in financial institutions (leasing). They pay more interest. In that case, of course, the idea of investing in low-risk or risky companies should be avoided. There have been days when your money in the bank would have doubled in five to six years. However, no bank offers such opportunities anymore. The interest rate had also changed since April last year. The loan interest was fixed at 9 percent and deposit interest was fixed at 6 percent. However, some banks still double the money in 7 to 10 years, while some banks take 12 years. If you keep FDR in the bank, the interest rate that the bank talks about on the first day of the contract usually does not change. Almost all banks have the opportunity to keep FDR. Read Investing in startups second innings of Sachin Tendulkar's life Post Office Savings Once upon a time, there were three types of accounts - Post Office Savings Bank (General Account), Post Office Savings Bank (Term Account) and Post Office Savings Bank (Bonus Account) - where people could keep the money. The bonus account has been closed since 1992. The other two are still running. One year ago, the interest rate on general accounts of the Post Office Savings Program was 7.5 percent, and the interest rate on 3-year accounts was 11.28 percent. Ordinary savers across the country were outraged when the general account interest rate was reduced to 5 percent in February last year and the term account interest rate to 6 percent. Later, the government maintained the interest rate as before. The special feature of the two accounts is that Bangladeshi citizens of all classes and professions can put money into it. Nominees can be appointed, can be changed, and can be canceled for both post office savings accounts. Read Seed Fund Raising for Startups: Things to Know About Stock Market The stock gives more profit than any investment. However, this investment must be long-term and must be understood. Moreover, good companies usually pay a 10 percent dividend at the end of the year. The factors to consider when investing in the stock market are the fundamentals of the company, earnings per share (EPS), price-to-earnings (PE) ratio, net asset value (NAV), an average of dividends, company debt and the country's economy, sometimes political situation. The lower the price-to-earnings ratio of the company, the better it is for investment. Usually, a 10 to 15 PE ratio is better. More than that is a little risky. However, investments can be made if the company has the potential to increase revenue. Because if the income increases, the PE ratio will decrease. Investing on Lands Excluding all, if anyone thinks that land is the money. In that case, the investor can buy the land. Land prices usually go up year by year. Sometimes, depending on the land's condition, the value doesn't increase. So, you have to understand the value of the land before making a buying decision. Many people buy low land and fill it with soil but sell it at a higher price. But be careful before buying land. Check the documents, check and select again and again. Read 7 Local Startups Get Tk 150m Funds from Startup Bangladesh Limited Disclaimer The interest rates of Sanchayapatra and Post office savings are subjected to change depending on the decisions of the respective authorities. The stock prices of different companies may increase or decrease from time to time.