Complicated system of tax payment

Many of our fellow citizens are reluctant to pay taxes as the process of paying income tax is quite complicated and troublesome. The process should be simplified so as to encourage all citizens to pay their taxes voluntarily. When a taxpayer goes to any tax office he or she is harassed and intimated.  The citizens must feel that they are contributing to the well-being of the country their contribution is making a difference. In addition, they must be sure, contribution being made by them is not being taken away by some parasites of corruption. Tax avoidance is very easy in our country due to the corrupt system and corrupt officials who encourage citizens to evade taxes in exchange of bribes. The anti corruption commission must keep hawk eyes on the tax officials, as many of them make huge fortune within a very short span of time. Tax officials should also bring change in their attitude and behaviour and be more service oriented. The government should initiate a campaign to encourage the citizens to come forward and pay taxes so that the country can become self-sufficient. We have a large population of 160 millions, but less than 1 per cent of the people pay taxes. This is a sad state of affairs. Even if 10 per cent of our population come under the tax net, it will make a huge difference to the whole scenario.  
 
Masud Rana
Dhanmondi, Dhaka.