The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has introduced a new initiative to simplify the process of filing income tax returns for Bangladeshi citizens living abroad. In a recent circular issued on Thursday, the tax authority announced that expatriate taxpayers can now receive their One-Time Passwords (OTPs) through their personal email addresses instead of Bangladeshi mobile numbers, removing a key obstacle that had hindered their access to the online return system.
According to the NBR, this decision follows growing demand from overseas Bangladeshis who, despite being exempted from mandatory online filing, have shown a strong willingness to submit their income tax returns digitally. The new system will allow expatriate taxpayers to register, verify their identity, and complete the process entirely through online channels, without the need for physical presence or a Bangladesh-based mobile SIM card.
Expatriate Taxpayers Get Relief from OTP Barrier: Until now, expatriates faced significant challenges in using the NBR’s e-return platform because the OTPs required for online registration were sent exclusively to locally registered, biometric-verified Bangladeshi mobile numbers.
This posed a serious problem for Bangladeshis residing abroad, who often do not have access to active local SIM cards. To resolve this, the NBR has introduced an alternative mechanism under which OTPs will be sent directly to the taxpayer’s verified email address. Expatriates can now apply for email-based OTP access by submitting specific identification details - including passport number, national ID number, a copy of their visa page, and a recent photograph - to the NBR’s dedicated email address: ereturn@etaxnbr.gov.bd. Once the NBR verifies the details, the taxpayer will receive an email containing both the OTP and a registration link. Using that link, they can access the e-return portal, complete registration, and file their returns with ease.
Simplified Digital Filing and Paperless Process: The NBR emphasized that online income tax return submission has become more streamlined and user-friendly. Taxpayers can automatically generate acknowledgment slips and printable tax certificates immediately after submitting their returns online.
Significantly, the e-return process does not require uploading supporting documents. However, taxpayers must retain all papers and evidence that substantiate the information provided in their return - such as income statements, expense records, and asset declarations - for future verification if required. An NBR official told The Daily Industry, “We noticed a rising number of expatriate taxpayers who want to fulfill their tax obligations despite living abroad. Many faced technical issues with the OTP system, so we have decided to make the process more inclusive and practical.” Who Must File Returns Online: In its special directive, the NBR has made online tax return submission mandatory for all individual taxpayers, except a few categories - senior citizens aged 65 years or above, physically challenged or differently-abled individuals, expatriate Bangladeshis, and foreign nationals working in Bangladesh.
However, even those exempted from mandatory e-filing, including expatriates, are encouraged to use the digital platform voluntarily. The NBR’s new initiative aims to make this process smooth and accessible, ensuring that no taxpayer is excluded due to technical limitations.
“The government is gradually transitioning toward a fully digital tax ecosystem,” another senior NBR official said. “We want every taxpayer - whether in Dhaka, Dubai, or London - to be able to file their return without any unnecessary paperwork or middlemen.”
Rising Response to E-Filing: The NBR also reported an encouraging response from taxpayers this year. For the fiscal year 2025-2026, more than 850,000 income tax returns have already been filed online, marking a record in the country’s digital taxation history. The surge is attributed to the simplicity and speed of the e-return system, which allows instant verification and access to tax certificates - features that are particularly valuable for expatriates managing their affairs remotely.
Tax consultant and policy analyst Farzana Ahmed told The Daily Industry, “This reform will not only improve convenience but also boost compliance among non-resident Bangladeshis. It demonstrates that the NBR is listening to taxpayer feedback and adopting technology to close administrative gaps.”
How Expatriates Can Apply: To use the new email-based OTP service, expatriate taxpayers must send the following information to ereturn@etaxnbr.gov.bd. Full name and Taxpayer Identification Number (if available). National ID number, Passport number and visa page copy, Current country of residence, Valid email address, Recent photograph. Upon verification, NBR will send the OTP and registration link to the taxpayer’s provided email address. Using this link, they can register on the e-return portal and complete their return submission. The entire process can be completed online without the need for intermediaries or visits to tax offices in Bangladesh.
Deadline for Filing: The NBR has urged all taxpayers, both in Bangladesh and abroad, to file their income tax returns for the 2025-2026 fiscal year by November 30, 2025. Officials said that no deadline extension is currently under consideration, as the online system provides ample time and convenience for all taxpayers to comply. “We strongly encourage everyone to file their returns within the given timeframe,” said an NBR spokesperson. “Taxpayers can access the system from anywhere in the world, and we have made sure the process is both secure and efficient.” A Step Toward a Smart Tax System: The initiative reflects NBR’s broader strategy to modernize Bangladesh’s tax administration under the government’s “Smart Bangladesh” vision. Digitalization of the tax ecosystem - from registration to return submission - is expected to reduce corruption, enhance transparency, and increase revenue collection efficiency. Economist Dr. Ahsanul Haque noted, “Simplifying the process for expatriates is not just about convenience; it’s about integration. Remittance earners already contribute significantly to the economy. Enabling them to stay compliant with tax laws strengthens the state’s relationship with its global citizens.” He added that such reforms would encourage more expatriates to declare income generated in Bangladesh, ensuring fair contributions to national development while building trust in the country’s governance framework.
Encouraging Compliance Through Technology: The NBR has also reminded taxpayers that the e-return system is compatible with both local and international internet networks, meaning expatriates can file returns from any country using their personal devices. The acknowledgment slip and income tax certificate generated through the portal are legally valid and can be printed immediately for official or personal use. Taxpayers are no longer required to submit hard copies to tax offices, marking a shift toward a fully digital and paperless process. The move, experts say, also aligns with global best practices in digital taxation and reflects Bangladesh’s effort to improve its ranking in the World Bank’s “Ease of Doing Business” and “Digital Governance” indices.
