Tax Return Filing Deadline Extended by Another Month

The National Board of Revenue has extended the deadline for individual taxpayers to submit income tax returns by another month, allowing filings up to 28 February, as submissions remain below expectations.

A notification to this effect was issued on 29 January, marking the third extension of the deadline for the 2024–25 income year.

As 28 February falls on a Saturday, taxpayers will be able to submit their returns without penalty until the next working day, 1 March, in line with existing legal provisions.

Taxpayers facing difficulties in filing online due to registration issues with the e-return system may submit paper returns by 15 February. This will require prior approval from the concerned Additional or Combined Tax Commissioner, following an application with valid justification submitted to the relevant Excise Commissioner.

Under the Income Tax Act, November was the original deadline for return submission. Despite two earlier extensions, the deadline has been extended again due to a shortfall in the expected number of filings.

Failure to submit returns within the stipulated time may result in interest at a rate of 4 percent per month on outstanding tax liabilities, along with penalties equal to 50 percent of the previous year’s tax or a minimum of Tk 1,000. Late filers may also lose eligibility for investment rebates, tax exemptions, and access to certain services.

However, taxpayers who submit returns within the extended deadline will not face interest, penalties, or any barriers to availing lawful tax benefits.

According to NBR data, around 45 lakh tax returns were submitted last year, while just over 37 lakh returns—both online and offline—have been filed so far this year. Meanwhile, NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan said on 25 January that about 47 lakh individuals have already registered online to file their returns.