NBR Chairman Emphasizes Revenue Collection, Efficiency in Customs Activities

Strategic Insights -

National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan emphasized the need for boosting revenue collection and enhancing operational efficiency in customs activities, urging a shift in focus from mere revenue growth to broadening the tax base. He highlighted the importance of strengthening enforcement, expanding automation, ensuring compliance with import policy orders, reducing legal disputes, and intensifying arrear recovery efforts. Khan also called for stricter monitoring of compliant and non-compliant taxpayers, aiming to increase the number of registered taxpayers through long-term strategic plans.

Key Takeaways:

  • Khan emphasized the need for boosting revenue collection and enhancing operational efficiency in customs activities, with a focus on broadening the tax base.
  • The NBR chairman called for stricter monitoring of compliant and non-compliant taxpayers, with a focus on increasing the number of registered taxpayers.
  • Khan suggested adopting long-term (5-6 year) strategic plans to significantly increase the number of registered taxpayers.
  • The chairman directed all relevant offices to expedite the implementation of ongoing projects related to income tax, VAT, and customs.
  • Khan emphasized the importance of conducting timely annual audits to avoid prolonged review periods that could harm businesses.
  • A permanent office for Customs House, Mongla will soon be established to address infrastructure gaps.
  • Additional vehicles will be arranged for officials of the Khulna Customs, Excise, and VAT Commissionerate.
  • A centralized licensing system will replace the existing reference-based licensing for C and F agents, shipping agents, and freight forwarders.
  • The Automated Risk Management System (ARMS), Bangladesh Single Window (BSW), and Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) will be fully integrated into customs operations.
  • Khan emphasized the critical role of the revenue department in national economic stability and warned of severe consequences of disruptions in revenue functions.
  • The chairman expressed satisfaction with the overall performance of Mongla Customs House and sought improved efficiency to keep pace with global standards.

Statistics:

  • Khan emphasized the need to increase the number of registered income tax and VAT payers.
  • The chairman called for a shift in focus from mere revenue growth to broadening the tax base.
  • 5-6 year strategic plans will be adopted to significantly increase the number of registered taxpayers.
  • Additional vehicles will be arranged for officials of the Khulna Customs, Excise, and VAT Commissionerate.

Sources:

  • The Daily Star [November 8, 2022, STR, 1]
  • The Financial Express [November 8, 2022, DAILY, 1]