Return filing deadline extended till Jan 31

The deadline for individual taxpayers to file income tax returns has been extended by another month, pushing the new cut-off date to January 31.

In an office order issued yesterday, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) said it will accept returns for the tax year 2025-26 until January 31, citing "public interest" as the reason for the extension.

The original deadline was November 30 this year. The revenue authority had earlier extended it to December 31, continuing a familiar pattern.

In previous years too, the November deadline was often pushed back by a month.

Currently, there are around 1.25 crore holders of taxpayer identification numbers (TIN) in Bangladesh. As of yesterday afternoon, 29.20 lakh taxpayers had submitted their returns for the ongoing tax year, according to the revenue board.

For the current tax year, filing income tax returns online has been made mandatory. The online filing requirement, however, has been relaxed for several categories of taxpayers.

These include people aged 65 and above, persons with disabilities or special needs, Bangladeshis living abroad, legal representatives submitting returns for deceased taxpayers, and foreign nationals working in Bangladesh.

Members of these groups may still choose to file online if they wish.

Last year, after multiple deadline extensions, February 15 was set as the final date for individual taxpayers. Returns can still be filed after the deadline by paying a penalty.

Under the Income Tax Act, failure to submit a return within the stipulated time results in late interest at a rate of 2 percent per month.

To assist taxpayers facing difficulties with the e-return system, the tax administration has set up a dedicated call centre. Assistance is available by calling 09643-717171.

Besides, e-return help desks are operating in all tax zones across the country.