The highest taxpayers of the country requested the National Board of Revenue to ensure hassle-free services and introduce clients-friendly environment in the tax collection system.
They also said the NBR should expand tax net to upazila level so as to reduce burden on the existing taxpayers.
The taxpayers were speaking at a tax card and award giving ceremony of NBR at a city hotel yesterday.
A number of 402 taxpayers from both national and district levels were awarded. Of them, 40 taxpayers, including 10 individuals and 10 corporate houses, received awards as the highest taxpayers at the national level.
Finance Minister AMA Muhith distributed the awards as chief guest.
NBR organised the function to recognise the highest and long-time taxpayers in the FY2012-13 and FY2013-14 on the occasion of the National Income Tax Day 2014.
“Without a service-oriented attitude, it would be difficult for NBR to collect taxes,” said Standard Bank Chairman Kazi Akram Uddin Ahmed who received the highest taxpayer award on behalf of the bank under corporate category in last two fiscal years.
Kazi Akram, also FBCCI president, said the number of taxpayers is still very low. “Out of 16 crore people, only 13.40 lakh have electronic TIN. But 2 lakh of those TIN holders do not file income tax returns.”
He said when there were 3.5 crore businessmen in the country, only 11.30 lakh of them paid tax.
Kazi Akram stressed the need of opening income tax offices in all upazila headquarters.
Golam Dastagir Gazi, another awardee and a lawmaker, said many people do not want to open tax files as the tax authority has an attitude to impose more taxes on the existing number of taxpayers rather than increasing the number.
He also suggested expansion of tax offices across the country.
In his speech, Finance Minister AMA Muhith acknowledged the existing problems in tax collection system.
He claimed that the government is taking efforts to reduce tax-related hassles so the taxpayers feel encouraged.
According to the minister, income tax and Vat will be the main source of revenue of the country in near future and there will be no customs due to free-trade economy.
The corporate recipients of the award in two fiscals include Chevron Bangladesh, Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company Ltd, Sylhet Gas Fields Limited, Unilever Bangladesh Ltd, Karnaphuli Fertiliser Ltd, Barapukuria Coal Mining Company Ltd, American Life Insurance Company Ltd, Standard Bank Ltd and Citibank NA.
Besides, Tullow Bangladesh Ltd was awarded for FY2012-13 and Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd for the FY2013-14.
Under individual taxpayers category, the awardees in both fiscals are Hazi M Kaus Miah, Mohammad Yusuf, MA Haider Hossain and Golam Dastgir Gazi.
Abdul Kadir Molla, Sadaruddin Khan, Salauddin Kashem Khan, AM Ziauddin Khan, Motazzerul Islam and MM Amzad Hossain were awarded in the FY2012-13.
Tasmia Ambrin, Layla Hossain, Hosne Ara Hossain, Rubaiyat Farzana Hossain, Khaza Tajmahal and Moksedul Islam received the award in the FY2012-13.
The tax card recipients will enjoy special state privileges like attending state functions, using transports and taking medical services.