Rajshahi Tax Zone has collected revenue worth Taka 74 lakh through its six-day Income Tax Fair- 2011 that ended at Zafar Imam Tennis Complex here on Thursday like five other divisional cities.
Besides, 318 new taxpayers deposited their taxes and 1966 income tax returns were submitted in the fair.
The Tax Zone had organized the fair for the first time here on September 17 last with the main thrust of supplementing the government’s effort to make the income tax as the vital part of national budget within the next few years for building digital Bangladesh.
On the closing day on Thursday, heavy rush of the taxpayers was seen and taxes of Taka 22,48,357 was realized, whereas, Taka 51,51,016 was collected in the previous five days.
To facilitate the taxpayers, six booths had been kept opened for six circles of the zone in addition to special arrangement for the women and the persons with disabilities.
Two consultation centers were also functioning for necessary consultation and booths of Janata, Sonali banks were set up to help paying income tax easily.
Assistant Tax Commissioner Wakil Ahmed told BSS that the response received from the taxpayers was very satisfactory and hoped that the next fair would be more successful.
At the fair, he added that the visitors got their tax identification numbers instantly. They were also given assistance in filling up tax return forms, and instructed how to assess taxes by using the ‘tax calculator’ software available at the NBR’s website.
Visitors also got the facilities of using photocopier, computer, printer and internet for submitting income tax returns.
“We have organised the fair to encourage people to voluntarily pay income taxes, plug the gap between tax officials and general people and create an environment of trust,” said Rokeya Khatun, Commissioner of Rajshahi Tax Zone, at the fair.
She said they are overwhelmed by the response. “We are now planning to organize such fairs every year so that people can enjoy the services without any hassles.”