NBR to go tough against errant TIN holders

Since the filing of income tax returns against the complete taxpayer identification numbers (TINs) this year was not found to be sufficient, the National Revenue Board (NBR) has agreed to be firm on the errant taxpayers.

Just 22 lakh of the 46 lakh TIN holders filed tax returns this year, according to NBR results.

"It's frustrating, and there's no alternative but to be firm on the errant TIN holders," said a senior NBR official.
He said a large number of people used to take TINs just to complete their work where they are required to submit.

Yet, after completing their work, these people don't bother to file their income tax returns or pay the income tax to the national exchequer, "he added." For instance, one person needs TIN to buy a land or a flat. That's why he / she takes a TIN, yet later he / she forgets or doesn't bother to submit the income tax return or pay the income tax.

The fine for not filing income tax returns is Tk 1,000 for one day and Tk 50 for each overdue day, according to the Income Tax Ordinance.

The NBR claims it is harder against the errant taxpayers as it would be easier for them to apprehend the taxpayers because they take the National Identification Number (NID) TIN.

"Indeed, at the end of the income tax return submission deadline, we planned to get better income reporting, but the volume of income tax returns is frustrating," he said.

The revenue collection agency directed its field offices to document individuals who did not file tax returns this year despite having taxable income.

NBR Chairman Md Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan recently in a press conference mentioned that his office has directed the field officers to contact those who have TINs and taxable income but did not submit the income tax returns.

Bhuiyan said he asked the NBR field offices to ensure return submission and tax payment by those non-filers.

The number of total tax returns grew 10 percent to 22 lakh this year which will be increased by nearly 50,000 after companies file returns by mid-January.

The NBR official said they asked all the tax zones to submit their reports after reviewing the overall situation of their respective tax zones.

It asked the zone offices to take actions as per law against the e-TIN takers who did not submit their income tax return in due time.

The total revenue collection for the running 2019-20 fiscal was estimated to be Tk 3,77,810 crore where the NBR will contribute Tk 3,25,660 crore. The tax revenue from non-NBR sources was estimated at Tk 14,500 crore, while non-tax revenue at Tk. 37,710 crore.

Of the grand amount for the NBR, Tk 1,13,912 crore will come from income, profit and capital tax, while Tk 1,23,067 crore will be contributed by VAT, supplementary tax will provide 48,153 crore, Tk 36,498 crore will come from import duty, Tk 54 crore from export duty, Tk 2,239 crore from the excise duty and Tk 1,677 crore as other taxes.