Md Asaduz Zaman

The BNP government is set to unveil a series of tax measures in the new budget for fiscal year 2026-27 today, offering incentives for green industries, digital entrepreneurs and technology manufacturers, while imposing higher taxes on tobacco products, conventional fuel-powered vehicles and selected imports.

Finance ministry officials said a significant share of customs tax incentives in FY27 could be directed towards the solar sector

The government is set to make it mandatory for businesses to have a Business Identification Number (BIN) to open merchant accounts with mobile financial services (MFS) providers in the fiscal year 2026-27 national budget.

Startups and IT-based businesses may no longer have to pay turnover tax from the next fiscal year, as the government looks to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation.

Tax rates, however, are unlikely to increase

May extend metro rail VAT exemption

The government is set to backtrack from its plans to reintroduce a wealth tax and impose a first-ever advance income tax (AIT) on motorcycles and battery-run auto-rickshaws in the upcoming budget for fiscal year 2026-27, according to officials familiar with the matter.

Tax-free income ceiling to hit Tk 4.5 lakh by FY31

Over the last decade, the tax administration has been missing its targets

The government is likely to scrap taxes on new SIM cards and SIM replacements entirely in the upcoming budget, a move aimed at making mobile services more affordable for low-income people who do not currently own a handset, according to finance ministry officials.

The government is set to offer major tax relief to individuals and businesses in the national budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 by introducing a system to refund excess minimum tax payments, addressing a long-standing concern of taxpayers and investors.

The budget, by all accounts, will be a large one

The government is likely to reduce the advance income tax (AIT) on imported primary and industrial raw materials in the upcoming budget in a move aimed at easing cost pressures on businesses and consumers.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) is on course to miss its annual revenue target for the current fiscal year, extending its run of shortfalls to a tenth straight year.

The government is likely to reintroduce a provision allowing the legalisation of undisclosed income through investment in selected sectors in the national budget for the next fiscal year.

Move is part of wider trade tax reform as Bangladesh prepares for LDC graduation

Kidney and heart patients are expected to get some relief as the government is going to withdraw some taxes on equipment for kidney dialysis and coronary stents in the next budget.

The government is planning to ease the tax burden on lower- and middle-income taxpayers in the 2026-27 budget by gradually raising the tax-free income limit and introducing multi-year tax declarations to provide greater certainty for individuals.

At present, the duty-free bank deposit limit is Tk 3 lakh

A few years ago, Champa Begum moved from Rajshahi to Gazipur for factory work, leaving behind her young daughter. Today, the 30-year-old no longer has to make that choice.