Tax return proof no longer needed for 13 services

From this fiscal year, taxpayers will not be required to show proof of income tax return filing to access 13 specific public and private services, according to a recent government directive.

Previously, individuals had to present documents verifying the submission of their latest tax returns to avail of these services. The exemption is expected to ease procedures for small investors, professionals, and ordinary taxpayers.

The services now exempt from return filing proof include:

1. Obtaining new trade licences in city corporation or municipal areas;

2. Applying for or renewing credit cards of any category;

3. Purchase of savings certificates worth up to Tk10 lakh;

4. Opening or maintaining term deposits (FDRs) up to Tk10 lakh;

5. Receiving surveyor licences under general insurance;

6. Registering cooperative societies;

7. Gaining professional membership in recognised bodies such as for doctors, dentists, lawyers, chartered accountants, cost accountants, chartered secretaries, actuaries, engineers, architects, and surveyors;

8. Receiving government payments through MPO enlistment for employees ranked 10th grade or above;

9. Opening post office savings accounts exceeding Tk5 lakh;

10. Earning commissions through mobile financial services, mobile banking, electronic money transfers, or mobile recharge accounts;

11. Licensing for stamp vendors or deed writers;

12. Registering, transferring ownership, or renewing fitness certificates for three-wheeled motor vehicles;

13. Obtaining e-commerce licences from authorised licensing bodies.