Govt targets Tk66,000cr in non-tax revenue from fees, tolls, dividends
Increasing revenue collection from such sources will directly hit people, economist say
The government has set a target of collecting Tk66,000 crore in non-tax revenue in the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026-27, reflecting a growing reliance on income from service charges, tolls, dividends and other non-tax sources.
The target is Tk20,000 crore higher than the original allocation of Tk46,000 crore for FY26. In the revised budget for the outgoing fiscal year, however, the government raised such revenue target to Tk65,000 crore. The proposed budget aims to collect an additional Tk1,000 crore next year.
Non-tax revenue refers to government earnings from sources other than taxes and customs duties. These include dividends from state-owned enterprises, interest on loans, fees for public services, tolls, fines, royalties, leases and proceeds from the sale of government assets.
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Economists, however, say that increasing revenue collection from these sources instead of taxes means that people must spend more money when receiving various government services. Increasing fees for passports, licenses and other services will directly affects citizens.
The largest share of such revenue is expected to come from dividends and profits of state-owned entities as Tk23,340 crore has been targeted from this source, including earnings from state-owned banks, insurance companies, public corporations and surplus profits transferred by the central bank.
Interest income from government loans is projected to contribute Tk5,323 crore. The earnings will come from loans extended to various public agencies and development projects.
The government also expects to collect Tk5,656 crore from administrative fees, including charges for passports, visas, company registrations, trade licences and other public services.
An additional Tk688 crore is expected from fines, penalties and confiscated assets.
Revenue from telecommunications, postal services, public hospitals and other government services is projected at Tk9,620 crore.
The budget projects Tk630 crore from the rental and leasing of government-owned land, buildings and other properties. Meanwhile, toll collections from bridges, highways and tunnels are expected to generate Tk1,880 crore.
The government also plans to earn Tk3,512 crore through non-commercial sales, including the disposal of government publications, old vehicles, machinery and other public assets.
Another Tk15,243 crore is expected from royalties, licence fees, charges for the use of mineral and energy resources, and income generated by various government institutions.
Capital receipts have been estimated at Tk108 crore, primarily from the limited sale or recovery of government assets.
Analysts say the higher non-tax revenue target indicates the government's effort to diversify revenue sources beyond taxation and caution that the growing reliance on such sources could increase the cost of accessing public services in the future.
