A weeklong income tax fair kicked off across the country yesterday to provide tax related information and assistance to the existing and potential taxpayers.
The National Board of Revenue (NBR) organised the show in seven divisional cities and 11 districts to issue TIN (taxpayer’s identification number) instantly, help file tax returns, submit and pay tax on the spot.
“We believe we can give solutions to your tax related queries and problems at the fair. You will get various services here,” said NBR Chairman Nasiruddin Ahmed at the opening ceremony at Officers’ Club in Dhaka.
The first such fair was held in Dhaka city in 2010.
Ahmed said they would be able to serve 100,000 visitors at the fair, ending on September 22 in divisional cities and on September 20 in other 11 districts.
The districts are: Mymensingh, Gazipur, Faridpur, Comilla, Noakhali, Jessore, Kushtia, Patuakhali, Bogra, Pabna and Dinajpur.
At the show in Dhaka, the NBR has opened 36 booths to receive tax returns, 16 booths to issue TINs and 20 “help desks” to inform taxpayers about their tax payment circles and other details.
Also, Sonali Bank and Janata Banks opened eight booths to help taxpayers deposit tax directly in banks. The tax authority has also opened a designated corner on e-payment to let people know about procedures of paying tax online.
The event takes place at a time when less than 1 percent of Bangladesh’s 15 crore population pay tax, although taxmen believe more people have taxable incomes.
Tax evasion is rampant as only 10.56 lakh people submitted returns in fiscal 2011-12.
The NBR said one of the objectives of such show is to increase taxpayers’ voluntary compliance so that direct collection goes up from the current 30 percent of total annual revenue receipts.
Still indirect tax such as value added tax is the biggest source of revenue for the government.
Ahmed of the NBR said they would widen the reach of the fair in all districts in phases to create a tax-paying culture.
Prime Minister’s Public Administration Affairs Adviser HT Imam said: “Tax payment and collection is not just a financial transaction. It is a responsibility to the state.”
“A lot of people want to pay tax. If you can dispel their fears, many will pay tax voluntarily. We expect you to inspire people to pay more tax by dispelling their fears,” he told the tax officials.
He suggested the NBR should simplify the tax return forms so that people can fill those in without others’ help.
“It takes a lot of time to fill in the forms,” he said.
Imam also asked the tax administrator to hold seminars and workshops to encourage tax payment.
Over the past five years, the NBR recorded more than 20 percent growth on average in income tax receipts, particularly because of a steady growth in the economy.
During the current fiscal year, the tax collector aims to increase income tax collection by 24 percent to Tk 35,300 crore from Tk 28,360 crore a year ago.
In July, income tax receipts rose 20 percent to Tk 1,412 crore from Tk 1,177 crore in the same month a year ago.
NBR officials said the tax fair attracts a growing number of people as it helps people clear their ambiguity on the tax payment process and allows them to pay tax without hassles.
“Submission of return at tax offices is time-consuming. One has to move from one desk to another,” said Mominul Islam, a physician at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, at the fair yesterday.
He came to the fair to get assistance from taxmen on how to file returns.
Last year, 62,272 TIN holders submitted returns at the show, up from 52,440 in the previous year.
Revenue collection also soared to Tk 414 crore in the fair last year from Tk 113 crore in the previous year, according to the NBR. The fair issued 10,041 TINs last year, up from 5,638 in the previous year.
Courtesy of The Daily Star
