The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has introduced an Online VAT Refund Module designed to streamline the online submission, processing, and direct transfer of VAT refund amounts to taxpayers’ bank accounts.
With this new module, a digital connection has been created between the current Integrated VAT Administration System (iVAS) and the Ministry of Finance’s iBAS++ system. This advancement will allow for the direct transfer of approved VAT refunds to taxpayers’ specified bank accounts via the Bangladesh Electronic Fund Transfer Network (BEFTN), as reported by BSS.
Through the Online VAT Refund Module, taxpayers can now file VAT refund claims online alongside their VAT returns. Once the applications are submitted, the appropriate VAT Commissionerate will assess and verify them in line with the VAT Act and associated regulations. Upon approval, the refund amount will be automatically deposited into the taxpayer’s bank account through iBAS++ using BEFTN.
With the implementation of this new system, taxpayers are no longer required to visit VAT offices to submit refund applications or collect refund cheques, which saves both time and money while promoting greater transparency.
To process refund applications via the Online VAT Refund Module, taxpayers must submit new refund applications online using Form Mushak-9.1 through the iVAS system, even for refund claims that were previously submitted online or manually and remain unresolved, according to an NBR press release.
To ensure the effective use of the Online VAT Refund Module and improve service efficiency, the NBR has already conducted training for officers and staff across all VAT Commissionerates. Taxpayers can reach out to their respective VAT Commissionerates for any necessary information and support regarding online VAT refunds.
The launch of the Online VAT Refund Module, which facilitates the direct deposit of refund amounts into taxpayers' bank accounts, marks another important advancement in the NBR's continuous digitalisation initiative. The board has stated that it will persist in its efforts to progressively automate all its operations to guarantee transparency and accountability.
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