The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has launched a major initiative to digitally link taxpayers’ financial records with banks, enabling automatic access to essential information for tax filings. The programme is expected to reduce manual processes, minimise taxpayer inconvenience, and enhance transparency in revenue collection.
Under the scheme, taxpayers will be able to link closing account balances, interest income, tax deducted at source, and bank charges directly with the NBR system. This eliminates the need to physically visit banks or gather multiple documents from different sources.
NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan unveiled the system on Tuesday while inaugurating a real-time data integration platform for commercial invoices in collaboration with Bangladesh Bank (BB) at the NBR headquarters. “This initiative is currently underway with Bangladesh Bank and represents a key step in modernising our tax administration,” he said.
Previously, taxpayers often had to collect these four types of data separately, sometimes incurring additional fees, before submitting tax returns. The new digital mechanism will automatically retrieve these records, reducing both cost and time.
Chairman Khan also indicated that the NBR plans to phase out all physical document submissions for commercial imports and exports. “Manual verification of commercial invoices will no longer be necessary, as our system ensures accuracy and reliability in real-time,” he stated.
The integration is being expanded further to include Chittagong Port operations and the immigration system, which will help track foreign nationals’ tax liabilities before departure, thereby preventing revenue leakage.
The chairman highlighted that the collaboration between NBR and BB marks a significant milestone in digital governance, allowing real-time data sharing, reducing human errors, and curbing potential malpractice in tax administration.
Md Mubinul Kabir, Member (Customs Policy) of NBR, emphasised that the initiative will reduce the alleged influence of certain businesspersons on customs officials, ensuring fair and transparent customs practices.
Key Financial Data Linked for Taxpayers
| Data Type | Purpose | Access Method |
|---|---|---|
| Closing Account Balances | To verify total assets for tax calculations | Automatic sync |
| Interest Income | Ensures correct reporting of earned income | Automatic sync |
| Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) | Accurate crediting of taxes paid | Automatic sync |
| Bank Charges | Streamlines reporting of allowable expenses | Automatic sync |
This digital integration initiative is expected to modernise tax administration, reduce compliance costs, and strengthen accountability, marking a decisive shift towards efficient, transparent, and taxpayer-friendly governance in Bangladesh.