DHAKA, July 22, 2026 (BSS) - The National Board of Revenue (NBR) today launched the electronic income tax return (e-Return) service for individual taxpayers for the 2026-27 tax year, making online filing mandatory for most individual taxpayers as part of its drive to simplify, expedite and ensure transparency in tax services. In a press release issued today, the NBR said individual taxpayers can now submit their income tax returns online through its e-Tax platform from July 22. The revenue authority said the e-Return system has gained widespread popularity since its introduction in 2021. During the 2025-26 tax year, a record nearly 4.7 million individual taxpayers successfully filed their income tax returns through the online platform. According to the NBR, the strong response reflects the rapidly growing acceptance of digital tax services, enabling taxpayers to prepare and submit their annual income tax returns conveniently from home. The NBR said it has issued a special order making online submission of income tax returns compulsory for all regular individual taxpayers. However, several categories of taxpayers have been exempted from the mandatory online filing requirement. These include senior citizens aged 65 years or above, physically challenged or persons with disabilities upon submission of relevant certificates, Bangladeshi taxpayers residing abroad, representatives filing returns on behalf of deceased taxpayers, and foreign nationals working in Bangladesh. These taxpayers will be allowed to submit paper-based returns. In addition, regular individual taxpayers who are unable to register on the e-Return system due to technical or registration-related problems may also submit paper returns with prior approval from the concerned Additional or Joint Commissioner of Taxes. The NBR said taxpayers can pay their taxes through the official e-Tax portal, www.etaxnbr.gov.bd, using bank transfers, debit cards, credit cards, bKash, Rocket, Nagad or other mobile financial services without visiting tax offices. After providing accurate information and completing the online return, taxpayers will be able to instantly download their acknowledgement receipt and income tax certificate, it added. To assist taxpayers facing difficulties in filing online returns, NBR officials will provide support during office hours on working days through the call centre (09643717171) and other electronic communication channels. The revenue authority also announced a new incentive scheme effective from the 2026-27 tax year. Under the scheme, individual taxpayers who submit their returns between July and September will receive a tax rebate equal to five percent of their net tax payable, subject to a maximum benefit of Tk 25,000. The NBR said the incentive will not apply to returns filed after September. Instead, returns submitted after December will be subject to additional tax as stipulated under the prevailing tax laws. The board urged all taxpayers to submit their returns within the stipulated time to avail themselves of the incentive and avoid additional tax liabilities.