NBR launches online VAT refund module

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has formally launched an online VAT refund module, enabling taxpayers to submit, process, and receive VAT refunds directly in their bank accounts.

Announced on Monday (10 November), this initiative represents a significant step in modernising Bangladesh’s VAT administration.

The module integrates the Integrated VAT Administration System (IVAS) with the Ministry of Finance’s iBAS++ system, ensuring that eligible VAT refunds are transferred directly via BEFTN without manual intervention.

Taxpayers can now submit refund applications through their online VAT returns, and the relevant VAT commissionerate will verify and approve refunds strictly in accordance with VAT law before transferring the funds directly to taxpayers’ designated bank accounts.

This new system eliminates the need for taxpayers to visit VAT offices to submit applications or collect cheques, saving time and reducing operational friction. All taxpayers with pending refunds—submitted either online or manually—must reapply through IVAS using the VAT-9.1 form to receive their entitlements.

To ensure seamless implementation, NBR has conducted comprehensive training for all officials and staff across VAT commissionerates, equipping them to handle taxpayer queries and facilitate online refunds efficiently.

The launch of this module marks a critical milestone in NBR’s ongoing digital transformation, reinforcing its commitment to full automation, transparency, and accountability in revenue collection.

NBR has affirmed that it will continue to expand digitalisation efforts, ensuring that all processes in VAT administration are efficient, secure, and fully automated.