DHAKA, Mar 29 (V7N) – The National Board of Revenue (BNR) announced on Sunday that over 5 million individual taxpayers have now registered for the e-return system, with 4.15 million successfully filing their taxes online for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. In a press release, the NBR emphasized that online filing is now mandatory for most individual taxpayers, marking a significant shift toward a fully digital tax administration.

The March 31 Deadline & Extension Rules

With the current filing deadline set for Tuesday, March 31, 2026, the NBR has introduced a streamlined digital process for those unable to meet the cutoff.

  • Automatic Online Extensions: Taxpayers can now apply for a time extension directly through the "Time Extension" menu in the e-return system.

  • Approval Window: Concerned Tax Commissioners can approve an additional period of up to 190 days. Over 5,000 taxpayers have already utilized this new online feature, with most receiving approval within a very short period.

  • Penalty Waiver: If an extension is approved before the March 31 deadline, taxpayers can file within the extended period without facing penalties or additional tax payments.

Mandatory Registration Requirements

To utilize the online filing or extension system, taxpayers must first register using a biometric-verified SIM card.

  • Exceptions: While online filing is mandatory for most, those specifically exempted from the e-return mandate can still apply for extensions in writing directly to their respective tax circles.

  • The "Zero-Penalty" Catch: The NBR warned that to avoid late fees, any request for an extension must be submitted by March 31. Applications made after this date will not be eligible for penalty waivers.

A Push for Transparency

The NBR stated that the move to a digital-first system is intended to make tax compliance "easy, fast, transparent, and convenient." By removing the need for physical visits to tax offices for extension approvals, the board aims to reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks and eliminate unauthorized "speed payments" or middleman interference.

The announcement comes as the government seeks to bolster domestic revenue collection amidst the economic pressures of the ongoing regional conflict, which has seen Kuwaiti oil prices climb to $118 per barrel this week.

END/SMA/AJ