The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has received over Tk 20.35 billion in income tax from returns submitted by taxpayers during the week-long tax-fairs across the country. The fair ended Tuesday last.
The revenue board received greater response in terms of returns submitted and revenue collected, in tax-fairs this year compared to that of the previous year.
Some 7,57,754 people obtained services from the tax-fairs this year.
Last year, the NBR had received Tk 16.75 billion in income tax from the tax-fairs across the country. Some 6,50,000 people received services them from the tax officials, while 1,50,000 taxpayers submitted their income tax returns at the fairs.
NBR member (tax administration) Abdur Razzaque disclosed all the relevant figures at the concluding ceremony of tax-fair organised at the Officers' Club in the capital on Tuesday.
Minister for law, justice and parliamentary affairs Anisul Huq, state minister for finance and planning M A Mannan, and NBR chairman Nojibur Rahman also spoke at the programme.
Anisul Huq said the income tax-fair has changed the concept of tax payment by removing fear-factors.
"The fair has contributed a lot towards building awareness among people. There will be no confusion and fear on tax payment in the near future," he said.
He expressed the hope that the number of direct taxpayers would rise following the implementation of new direct tax law.
M A Mannan appreciated the taxpayers' spontaneous participation in tax payment.
"Tax-fair is a new concept, which is gaining popularity day by day," he added.
Nojibur Rahman said a winter tax-fair will be arranged following enthusiasm of taxpayers.
"The tax authority has gained confidence of the people through the tax-fair," he said.
On the last day, many taxpayers opined that tenure of the tax-fairs should be extended to help marginal taxpayers pay their tax without hassle.
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