By Getlancers Editorial Team | Updated: January 2026

If the phrase "Income Tax Return" makes your heart beat faster, you are not alone. With the National Board of Revenue (NBR) making online filing mandatory for Assessment Year 2025-26, millions of students, freelancers, and small business owners in Bangladesh are panicking.

Here is the truth: Filing a return does not always mean paying money.

If your annual income is below BDT 3,50,000 (or BDT 4,00,000 for women/seniors), you are eligible for what is popularly called a "Zero Return." This means you submit your file to the government, declare your income, and the tax payable comes out to zero.

But be careful. The NBR has issued strict warnings against "False Zero Returns" this year. One wrong click could land you in an audit. This guide will show you how to file correctly, legally, and safely.

What is a "Zero Return Income Tax" Really? (Don't Get Tricked)

Many people think a "Zero Return" means putting 0 in every box of the tax form. Do not do this.

Under the Income Tax Act 2023, filing a return with false zeros when you actually have expenses or assets is a criminal offense (Section 312 & 313) punishable by fines or even imprisonment.

A Legal Zero Return means:

• Income: You declare your actual earnings (e.g., Tuition: 10k/month, Freelancing: 15k/month).

• Expenses: You show your actual lifestyle costs.

• Result: Because your total yearly income is under the taxable limit (BDT 3.5 Lakh), your Tax Payable is 0 BDT.

Who Must File a Return in 2026?

Even if you don't earn enough to pay tax, you must file a return if you:

1. Have a TIN Certificate (mandatory for everyone who has one).

2. Need a bank loan or credit card.

3. Are a freelancer wanting the 2.5% Cash Incentive on remittance.

4. Want to buy savings certificates (Sanchaypatra) over BDT 5 Lakh.

5. Need a Trade License for your F-Commerce business.

Step-by-Step: How to File Zero Return Online (DIY Guide)

If your financial life is very simple (no land, no big investments), you can try filing yourself on the National Board of Revenue (NBR) Official Site.

1. Register: Go to the e-Return portal and register using your TIN and biometric-verified mobile number.

2. Assessment Info: Select "Universal Self" and the current Assessment Year (2025-2026).

3. Income Sources: Tick "Income from Other Sources" or "Employment" depending on your job.

4. The Golden Rule: Ensure your Net Wealth (Assets minus Liabilities) matches your Income minus Expenses. If these figures don't balance, the system will show an error, or worse—you’ll get audited.

5. Submit: Once the calculation shows "Net Tax Payable: 0", hit submit.

6. Download Proof: Immediately download your Acknowledgment Slip. You will need this for the bank.

Warning: If you have bought land, have a flat, or have complex bank transactions, do not file your own return. A tiny mismatch in your wealth statement can trigger a "Tax Audit," which costs roughly 20,000+ BDT to fix later.

🛑 Stop: Don't Risk a 5-Year Jail Term for Saving 500 Taka

The new NBR software is smart. It cross-checks your bank account and land registry records. If you make a mistake on your "Wealth Statement," the NBR sends a notice.

Why take the risk? On Getlancers, you can hire a verified Tax Consultant or Chartered Accountant (CA) to do it for you. They protect you from audits and ensure your file is "clean" for future visa or loan applications.

Recommended Experts to Hire on Getlancers:

Why Freelancers & Students Need the "Acknowledgment Slip"

In Bangladesh, the "Tax Return Acknowledgment Slip" is becoming the new gold standard for identification.

• For Freelancers: You cannot legally bring money into Bangladesh via banking channels (and get the 2.5% bonus) without declaring your income. A Zero Return makes your "Black Money" (undeclared cash) into "White Money" legally.

• For Students: Planning to study abroad? Embassies now ask for your (or your parents') tax files to prove financial solvency. A messy tax file results in visa rejections.

Final Verdict

Filing a Zero Return is not just about avoiding fines; it's about financial freedom. It allows you to take loans, get credit cards, and run a business without looking over your shoulder.

Don't let the paperwork scare you. You focus on earning; let our experts handle the NBR.

👉 Hire a Verified Tax Consultant on Getlancers Today