NBR introduces software to ensure accountability in online tax returns filed thru representatives

To ensure transparency and accountability in cases where taxpayers submit their online tax returns through authorised representatives, such as lawyers, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has launched a new system called the Tax Representative Management System (TRMS).

Authorised tax representatives, who are empowered by taxpayers to submit their returns, will be able to file all such returns online by registering them in the TRMS software.

The Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed formally inaugurated the software yesterday at the NBR headquarters in Agargaon.

"Any taxpayer can authorise a tax representative to file his/her return online by providing the representative with a one-time password (OTP) received on the taxpayer's registered mobile phone," an NBR press release read.

It further stated, "By digitising the taxpayer representation process, the TRMS platform will help ensure greater efficiency and accountability in tax administration."

NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan told The Business Standard, "This is a form of Power of Attorney. The system has now been digitised."

He added, "Previously, it was not possible to trace who submitted a taxpayer's return. But now, digital authorisation means taxpayers will no longer be able to deny responsibility later."

Authorised representatives of NBR will mainly include income tax lawyers, members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB), and Income Tax Practitioners (ITPs).

Sources said that NBR has already requested information on these representatives from various organisations. Following this, all authorised representatives will undergo digital registration in the new digital system.

For return submission, taxpayers will delegate authority to their representatives through the online system, and all returns filed by each representative will be separately stored in the TRMS database.

Notably, from this year, online submission of tax returns has been made mandatory for all, with only a few exceptions. Currently, out of 12 million TIN holders in the country, approximately 4.5 million returns are submitted, of which 1.5 million were filed online last year. Out of them, most of the returns were filed through representatives.

Finance adviser decries bribery, harassment in govt services

In the inauguration programme, the finance adviser has openly acknowledged the pervasive issue of bribery and harassment within Bangladesh's service sector, particularly in government agencies.

"It takes a long time to get government services. I experienced it myself," he said.

He also shared a story of a former high-ranking government official who resorted to paying a bribe to obtain a telephone connection.

"Even if I had called 50 times, it probably wouldn't have worked. But once I paid the money, it worked," the adviser quoted the official.

During the event, Salehuddin Ahmed emphasised that citizens are willing to pay for genuine services.

He urged the NBR to deliver various taxpayer services efficiently.

The event was organised by the NBR and attended by its Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan, senior officials, and tax lawyers.

The finance adviser also called upon the lawyers, especially those in tax law, not to mislead the government with false information.

"Both plaintiff and defendant lawyers may lie or hide the truth. But we hope that lawyers will rely on facts and figures," he said, stressing that "lawyers should not keep the government in the dark."