Public, private agencies to get access to e-TIN database
The National Board of Revenue plans to give various public and private service providers the access to its e-TIN database to prevent use of fake taxpayers' identification numbers for tax fraud.
A senior official of the NBR said they have drafted rules and made layout plans for the purpose.
The agencies that will enjoy the access include Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms, Bangladesh Road Transport Authority and banks.
"The access to e-TIN database will enable public and private agencies to verify the authenticity of TINs submitted by the taxpayers," said the official, asking not to be named.
"We are planning to let the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms use the database initially. Later, such access will be given to other public and private service providers also."
Some banks will also enjoy the facility. "We hope to make significant progress in this regard in a month or two." Firms will be given separate user identifications to access the database, NBR officials said.
The decision to give greater access to the database was taken after a provision in the income tax law made it mandatory for government agencies and private organisations to verify TIN authenticity.
Earlier, the service providers were not bound to verify the TIN certificates submitted by the customers, which created a loophole for tax dodging through fake TINs.
Banks now cut 15 percent tax from the interest on bank deposits of customers who do not submit TINs.
So far, more than 15 lakh taxpayers have received electronically generated TINs.
TIN certificates are required for opening letters of credit, import registrations, issuance and renewal of trade licences, submission of tender documents, registration of land and apartments, registration of vehicles and their fitness renewal and sanctions of loans exceeding Tk 5 lakh.
People also need to submit TIN certificates to get bank credit cards or register a company.
Doctors, chartered accountants, cost and management accountants, lawyers and income tax practitioners also have to submit such certificates to get licences.
TIN certificates are also needed to obtain drug licences and gas and electricity connections in city corporations and municipalities for commercial purposes.
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