NBR Extends Deadline for E-VAT Return Submission

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has extended the submission deadline for online Value Added Tax (VAT) returns for January 2026, citing extended public holidays for the observance of Shab-e-Barat, the 13th general election of the Jatiya Sangsad, and technical disruptions in the e-Challan system.

According to an official notification issued on Sunday, 15 February, from the NBR headquarters at Agargaon, taxpayers can now submit their January 2026 e-VAT returns online until 22 February 2026. The extension has been granted under Section 64(1Ka) of the Value Added Tax and Supplementary Duty Act, 2012, in the interest of public convenience.

Reasons for Extension

NBR sources stated that government offices were partially non-operational during Shab-e-Barat and the parliamentary election, limiting routine administrative activities. Furthermore, on 15 February, the e-Challan system experienced server downtime, preventing many taxpayers from submitting their returns within the original deadline. To safeguard taxpayer interests, the NBR decided to extend the submission period.

Currently, all VAT-registered businesses in Bangladesh are required to submit monthly returns online. Since the introduction of the e-VAT system, the tax authority has managed return filings, tax payments, and challan operations entirely through a digital platform. However, technical glitches, particularly during the final days of the filing period, often result in slower system performance, causing inconvenience for taxpayers.

Key Details

NBR officials emphasised that returns submitted by 22 February will be considered on time, and no late fees or financial penalties will be imposed. However, failure to submit after this extended period will invoke the usual legal provisions for late submission fines.

Tax experts have welcomed the temporary relief but stressed that the long-term solution lies in enhancing the capacity and stability of the e-VAT platform, upgrading servers, and introducing backup systems. Strengthening the digital infrastructure will not only reduce end-of-period congestion but also bolster taxpayer confidence and improve revenue collection efficiency.

Officials also highlighted that regular monitoring and timely system maintenance are now crucial as the country’s tax administration increasingly relies on digital solutions. With technological readiness, the NBR hopes to minimise disruptions and ensure a smoother VAT return process in the future.