Tax receipts counted in four days of the weeklong income tax fair have exceeded the National Board of Revenue's total collection from last year's fair.

NBR collected Tk 428 crore in tax, compared to last year's total collection of Tk 414 crore, the tax authority said in a statement yesterday.

The NBR fair last year took place in seven divisional cities.

The increase in revenue can be attributed to the huge turnout of taxpayers and the launch of the fair in 11 districts along with the seven division cities.

“Taxpayers' crowd continued for the fourth day. They came to use various services, including getting new TIN (taxpayer identification number) and submitting tax returns," the NBR said.

Some 40,562 taxpayers submitted returns at the fair and 7,262 received TINs. The program remains open from 10am to 5pm.

Last year, 62,272 people submitted returns and 10,041 new TINs were issued.

The fair began on September 16, adding Mymensingh, Gazipur, Faridpur, Comilla, Noakhali, Jessore, Kushtia, Patuakhali, Bogra, Pabna and Dinajpur to its coverage along with the seven divisional cities.

The Officers' Club venue in Dhaka helped the tax collector secure Tk 402 crore out of Tk 428 crore with 22,447 returns being submitted.

The fair, the third of its kind, will end on September 22 in divisional cities and on September 20 in the districts.

The NBR has opened 36 booths to receive tax returns, 16 booths for TIN issuance and 20 "help desks" to inform taxpayers about their tax payment circles and other details at Officers' Club.

Sonali and Janata banks also have eight booths to facilitate direct tax deposits. The tax authority has also opened a designated corner for e-payment to let people know about procedures of paying tax online.

News: The Daily Star/Bangladesh/20-Sep-12