Record 10,202 taxpayers file returns online on first day of E-return launch

A record-breaking 10,202 individual taxpayers filed their income tax returns online on the very first day of the e-return filing process for the fiscal year 2025–26, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) said on Tuesday.

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed officially inaugurated the electronic return (e-return) submission system yesterday (4 August).

According to an NBR press release issued this morning (5 August), the number of returns submitted on the first day marks a nearly fivefold increase compared to the same period last year when 2,344 returns were filed on September 9, 2024.

The surge follows a special directive issued by the NBR on 3 August, making online filing mandatory for all individual taxpayers except senior citizens aged 65 and above, persons with disabilities, Bangladeshi citizens living abroad, and legal representatives of deceased taxpayers.

The directive allows flexibility for those who encounter genuine difficulties in completing the e-return registration process.

Such taxpayers can submit a written application with proper justification to their respective tax circle by October 31, 2025.

Upon approval by the concerned Additional or Joint Commissioner of Taxes, they will be allowed to file their returns manually.

Last year, over 1.7 million taxpayers filed their returns online under the partially implemented e-filing system.

This year, the upgraded platform enables taxpayers to pay their taxes from home using bank transfers, debit or credit cards, and mobile financial services such as bKash, Rocket, and Nagad.

They can also instantly download their acknowledgement slips and tax certificates directly from the system, the release added.

To support taxpayers throughout the process, NBR has set up round-the-clock assistance via call centres and digital platforms to address any queries or technical issues related to online filing.