DHAKA, April 22 (BSS) - The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) today placed 54 budget recommendations for the fiscal year 2026-27 (FY27), proposing reduced tax rates and full automation of the revenue system to boost economic growth.

The proposals were submitted to National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan at a pre-budget meeting held at the NBR conference room in the capital.

Under the theme "The Taxnet Widens & Ease of Doing Business," the chamber outlined 16 key recommendations focused on enhancing productivity and ensuring sustainable economic development.

To ease the burden on low- and middle-income groups amid inflationary pressure, DCCI proposed raising the individual tax-free income threshold to Tk 5,00,000. It also suggested a revised tax structure with a 5 percent rate on the next Tk 2,00,000, 10 percent on the following Tk 3,00,000, and a maximum tax rate capped at 25 percent.

For the corporate sector, the chamber recommended reducing the tax rate for non-listed companies from 27.5 percent to 25 percent, subject to mandatory transactions through banking or digital payment channels.

DCCI also proposed a gradual withdrawal of the surcharge on net wealth exceeding Tk 4 crore over the next three to five years to promote equity in the tax system.

A major highlight of the proposal is the introduction of "Central API Integration" to modernize tax administration. The system would link NBR databases with National ID (NID), banks, trade licenses, utility services, and sub-registrar offices to automatically identify taxable individuals and entities, thereby expanding the tax base.

The chamber further proposed launching an e-Corporate Tax Return system to enable end-to-end digital filing, including automated refunds through the Bangladesh Electronic Funds Transfer Network (BEFTN).

On Value Added Tax (VAT), DCCI recommended reducing Advance Tax (AT) on commercial imports to 5 percent from the existing 7.5 percent, with a plan for eventual withdrawal. It also called for removing the Tk 50,000 ceiling on VAT refunds to allow full automatic reimbursement of net negative balances.

To simplify VAT compliance for small and medium enterprises, the chamber suggested introducing a national mobile app as a real-time alternative to Electronic Fiscal Device (EFD) machines. The app would enable instant generation of digital receipts synchronized with NBR servers.

In addition, DCCI proposed automating customs refunds through direct transfers to bank accounts via BEFTN or EFT systems, replacing manual processes.

To ensure fair competition in the domestic market, the chamber recommended setting uniform customs valuation for raw materials, including stearic acid.

Speaking at the meeting, Convener of the DCCI Standing Committee on Customs and VAT, M B M Lutful Hadi said the proposals aim to support productive sectors and encourage investment. He noted that reducing the tax burden on compliant businesses would ultimately increase revenue collection.

DCCI Acting Secretary General Dr AKM Asaduzzaman Patwary said implementation of these measures would lower the cost of doing business, stimulate investment, and promote long-term economic stability.