Overseas Bangladeshis Embrace Digital Income Tax Filing

In a significant stride towards the digitisation of the national exchequer, 3,300 expatriate Bangladeshis have successfully submitted their income tax returns from abroad using the government’s online portal. According to the National Board of Revenue (NBR), the system is currently processing an average of 100 returns daily from the diaspora, reflecting a growing confidence in the remote filing infrastructure.

Digital Registration and Global Access

The NBR has reported that nearly 5,000 non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) have already registered for the e-return system. To facilitate those without a biometric-verified Bangladeshi SIM card—which is usually a prerequisite for domestic registration—the NBR has introduced an email-based authentication process.

Expatriates can initiate their registration by sending their passport details, National Identity Card (NID) numbers, and email addresses to the dedicated support address: ereturn@etaxnbr.gov.bd. Upon verification, the NBR issues a One-Time Password (OTP) and a registration link via email, allowing citizens to file their taxes from any corner of the globe.

National Progress in E-Filing

While expatriate participation is a highlight, the domestic shift towards digital filing has been even more dramatic. Since the formal inauguration of the e-return service by Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed on 4 August last year, millions have transitioned to the online platform.

Mandatory Compliance and Exemptions

For the current fiscal year, the government has made online tax filing compulsory for the vast majority of taxpayers to ensure transparency and ease of processing. However, the NBR has granted specific exemptions from this mandatory digital requirement to the following groups:

Senior citizens (aged 65 and over).

Physically challenged individuals or those with special needs.

Expatriate Bangladeshis (who may still choose to file online voluntarily).

Foreign nationals working within Bangladesh.

Legal representatives filing on behalf of a deceased taxpayer.

How to File Remotely

The e-return system is designed to be user-friendly, requiring no physical document uploads; taxpayers only need to input the relevant data. However, the NBR advises all filers to retain physical copies of their certificates and receipts for future audits.

Payments can be settled instantly through integrated digital gateways, including Bank Transfers, Credit/Debit Cards, and Mobile Financial Services (MFS) such as bKash, Nagad, and Rocket.

Essential Documents for Filing:

Income Proof: Salary certificates, bank interest statements, and house rent agreements.

Investment for Rebates: Life insurance premiums, DPS certificates, and proof of investment in savings instruments or stocks.

Tax Deductions: Certificates of Tax Deducted at Source (TDS).

The government has extended the general filing deadline to 31 January 2026, providing ample time for both domestic and overseas taxpayers to regularise their financial records.