Tax collection not to be realised by harassing businessmen: Finance Minister

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has emphasised creating a pleasant environment for taxpayers without causing any inconvenience or harassment to businessmen.

He said this in response to questions from journalists after a meeting with businessmen at the National Board of Revenue (NBR) in Agargaon in the capital on Tuesday afternoon.

When asked about the system of filing VAT returns following one month interval instead of monthly, the Finance Minister said that discussions are under way to resolve the pending revenue cases and various issues of each stakeholder quickly. 

The government’s goal is to build a fair and effective tax system by discussing with taxpayers, he said.

When asked about the complications regarding the revenue collection for July and the VAT returns for three consecutive months, Amir Khosru said that a decision will be taken soon after discussing the matter.

He said, “No tax imposition or revenue collection process will be conducted by creating obstacles in the activities and business operations of businessmen. The country’s economy is largely dependent on taxes paid by businessmen. Therefore, the government’s objective is to ensure fair facilities for businessmen and collect revenue in a harassment-free environment.”

When journalists asked about the 22 per cent drop in VAT collection in the first two months of the fiscal year, the Finance Minister dodged the question.