TRW Law Firm – Global Header
Tax Deduction at Source (TDS) in Bangladesh – Interactive Guide
Slide 01

Tax Deduction at Source (TDS)

Understanding Bangladesh’s Comprehensive Withholding Tax System

0 TDS Sections
0 Income Tax Act
0 Withholding Rules
TDS Collection Trend

What is TDS?

Tax Deduction at Source (TDS) is a mechanism where tax is deducted at the time of payment by the payer and deposited with the government. It ensures regular tax collection and reduces tax evasion.

Legal Framework

Governed by the Income Tax Act 2023 and Withholding Tax Rules 2024, TDS applies to various payments including salaries, professional fees, contracts, and financial instruments.

Key Benefits

• Regular revenue collection
• Reduced tax evasion
• Simplified compliance
• Advance tax payment
• Better tax administration
Important Note

Every person responsible for deducting or collecting tax must obtain a Withholder Identification Number (WIN) from the National Board of Revenue (NBR).

Slide 02

Legal Framework & Requirements

Compliance Foundation for TDS Implementation

Income Tax Act 2023

Comprehensive legislation governing TDS across all payment categories and sectors in Bangladesh.

Withholding Tax Rules 2024

Detailed implementation rules, rate schedules, exemptions, and administrative procedures.

WIN Registration

Mandatory Withholder Identification Number for all entities responsible for tax deduction.

PSR Requirement

Proof of Submission of Return requirement with penalty provisions for non-compliance.

Income Tax Act 2023

The primary legislation governing TDS in Bangladesh, containing comprehensive provisions for withholding tax across various payment categories and sectors.

Withholding Tax Rules 2024

Detailed rules and procedures for implementing TDS provisions, including rate schedules, exemptions, and administrative requirements.
Withholder Identification Number (WIN)

Every person responsible to deduct or collect tax is required to obtain a WIN. This includes:

  • Government entities
  • Private companies
  • Banks and financial institutions
  • Individual employers
  • Professional service providers
Proof of Submission of Return (PSR)

For residents, the TDS rate is increased by 50% of the applicable rate if the payee fails to submit PSR to the payer. This encourages tax return filing compliance.

Requirement Description Penalty for Non-Compliance
WIN Registration Mandatory for all withholders Administrative penalties
TDS Deduction At prescribed rates and times Interest and penalties
TDS Deposit Within specified timeframes Interest on delayed payment
TDS Certificate Issue to payees Administrative action
Slide 03

TDS Categories Overview

Major Classifications and Payment Types

TDS Rate Distribution by Category

Employment & Salary

Average Rate
Regular salaries, government salaries, participation funds, and welfare contributions.

Business Contracts

0.5% – 10%
Supply of goods, manufacturing, construction, and execution of contracts.

Professional Services

5% – 15%
Consultancy, technical services, legal services, and professional fees.

Financial Instruments

5% – 20%
Interest on deposits, securities, dividends, and insurance commissions.

Import & Export

0% – 20%
Import duties, export proceeds, and international trade services.

Special Categories

Variable
Real estate, mobile operators, shipping, and digital services.
Resident vs Non-Resident

TDS rates and procedures differ significantly between resident and non-resident payees. Non-residents typically face higher withholding rates and different compliance requirements.

Slide 04

Salary & Employment TDS

Employment-Related Tax Deductions

Salary TDS Calculator
Salary Tax Brackets Visualization
Category Section Rate Description
Regular Salaries Section 86 Average Rate Tax on total taxable salary divided by 12 months
Government Salaries Section 86(3) Average Rate Special provisions for government employees
Participation Fund Section 88 10% Workers’ Participation Fund contributions
Welfare Fund Section 88 10% Workers’ Welfare Foundation Fund

Average Rate Calculation

The average rate is calculated by dividing the total tax liability on annual taxable salary by 12 months. This ensures proportionate monthly deduction.

Exemptions & Allowances

Various allowances like house rent, medical, and conveyance may be exempt from TDS calculation up to prescribed limits.
Key Points for Employers
  • Deduct TDS monthly from salary payments
  • Issue TDS certificates to employees
  • Deposit TDS within prescribed timeframes
  • Maintain proper records and documentation
Slide 05

Business & Contract TDS

Supply Chain and Contract Execution

Contract TDS Calculator
Contract Value vs TDS Rate
0.5%
MS Billets & Scrap
1%
Essential Commodities
3%
Gas Transmission
7%
Manufacturing
10%
Tobacco Products
Supply Category TDS Rate Section Reference
MS Billets & Scrap 0.50% Section 89
Oil Marketing Companies 0.60% Section 89
Oil Dealers/Agents 1.00% Section 89
Essential Commodities 1.00% Section 89
All Fruits 2.00% Section 89
Cement, Iron Products 2.00% Section 89
Gas Transmission 3.00% Section 89
Manufacturing Services 7.00% Section 89
Tobacco Products 10.00% Section 89
Contract Value Thresholds

Different rates apply based on contract values:

  • Up to BDT 2 lac: Nil
  • BDT 2-5 lac: 1%
  • BDT 5-15 lac: 2.5%
  • BDT 15-25 lac: 3.5%
  • BDT 25 lac-3 crore: 4%
  • Above BDT 3 crore: 5%
Slide 06

Professional Services TDS

Technical and Professional Service Payments

Professional Services TDS Rates
Service Type TDS Rate Section Special Conditions
Advisory/Consultancy 10% Section 90 Professional advice services
Technical Services 10% (e-TIN) / 15% (No e-TIN) Section 90 Technical assistance and support
Catering Service 10% (commission) / 2% (gross) Section 90 Food and catering services
Cleaning Service 10% Section 90 Cleaning and maintenance
Security Service 10% Section 90 Private security services
Manpower Supply 10% Section 90 Human resource services
Media Services 10% (commission) / 0.65% (gross) Section 90 Media buying and creative
Transport Services 5% Section 90 Vehicle rental and transport
Internet Service 10% Section 90 Internet and connectivity
Mobile Network 12% Section 90 Mobile operator services

e-TIN Benefits

Service providers with e-TIN enjoy reduced TDS rates (10% vs 15%) for professional and technical services, encouraging tax registration.

Commission vs Gross

Some services have dual rates – higher percentage on commission/fees only, or lower percentage on gross bill amount including all costs.
Special Considerations
  • Banks and financial institutions may have different rates
  • Some services require specific documentation
  • Cross-border services may have additional requirements
  • Regular vs one-time service providers may be treated differently
Slide 07

Financial & Investment TDS

Banking, Securities, and Investment Income

Investment TDS Calculator
Financial Instruments TDS Comparison
Financial Instrument TDS Rate Section Payee Type
Interest on Securities 5% Section 106 All payees
Interest on Savings 10% Section 105 Individuals
Interest on Fixed Deposits 10% / 20% Section 102 Individual / Company
Dividends (with e-TIN) 10% Section 117 Individuals
Dividends (without e-TIN) 15% Section 117 Individuals
Company Dividends Company Rate Section 117 Companies
Insurance Commission 5% Section 100 All payees
LC Commission 5% Section 96 All payees
Bangladesh Bank Bills Maximum Rate Section 107 All payees

Deposit Interest Rates

Individual: 10%
Company/Trust/AoP: 20%
Educational Institutions: 10%

Local LC Rates

Non-distributor financing: 3%
Distributor financing: 1%
Computers/accessories: 2%
Essential commodities: 1%
Special Exemptions

No withholding tax on interest on pensioners’ savings certificate if cumulative investment doesn’t exceed BDT 5 lakh at year-end.

Slide 08

Import/Export & International TDS

Cross-Border Trade and International Services

Import/Export TDS Distribution
Transaction Type TDS Rate Section Basis
Import of Goods 0% – 20% Section 120 Based on HSN code
Export Proceeds 1% Section 123 Total export value
Foreign Service Payments 7.5% Section 124 Service charges/fees
Freight Forward (Commission) 10% Section 124 Commission only
Freight Forward (Gross) 2.5% Section 124 Total bill amount
Foreign Buyer Agent 10% Section 116 Commission/remuneration
Export Cash Subsidy 10% Section 112 Subsidy amount
International Gateway 1.5% – 7.5% Section 108 Revenue/payments

HSN Code Based Import

Import TDS varies from 0% to 20% based on the Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) code of the imported product, encouraging specific imports.

Software & Digital Services

Exempted: Software sales under Para 21, Part I, Sixth Schedule
Regular Rate: 7.5% for other digital services
International Gateway Services
  • 1.5% of total revenue received by IGW operator
  • 7.5% of revenue paid to ICX, ANS, BTRC and others
  • 7.5% on whole amount paid or credited
Exemptions for Bangladeshi Citizens

No tax on income earned by Bangladeshi citizens abroad and brought into Bangladesh as per foreign remittance laws (Para 17, Part I, Sixth Schedule).

Slide 09

Special Categories & Updates

Sector-Specific Rates and FY 2024-25 Changes

20% Mobile Operators
15% Real Estate
5% Shipping Business
Special Category TDS Rates
Special Category TDS Rate Section Calculation Basis
Mobile Phone Operators 20% Section 98 Payment amount
Real Estate to Land Owner 15% Section 115 Payment to land owner
Real Estate Developer BDT 1,600-6,500/sqm Section 126 Per square meter
Property Transfer 15% Section 134 Gain on transfer
Shipping Business 5% / 3% Section 132 Freight received
Lottery Income 20% Section 118 Prize amount
Brick Manufacturer BDT 80,000-220,000 Section 130 Based on brickfield size
Trade License Renewal BDT 500-3,000 Section 131 Fixed amount by area

FY 2024-25 Key Updates

• Updated rates based on Income Tax Act 2023
• New Withholding Tax Rules 2024
• Enhanced digital service provisions
• Revised real estate rates
• Updated mobile operator rates

Digital Economy Focus

Special provisions for e-commerce, digital platforms, online advertising, and technology services reflecting Bangladesh’s digital transformation.
Real Estate TDS Structure
  • Residential: BDT 1,600 per square meter
  • Non-residential: BDT 6,500 per square meter
  • Land with building: 5% of deed value
  • Property lease: 4% of lease amount
Slide 10

Compliance & Best Practices

Framework for Effective TDS Management

TDS Compliance Timeline

Filing Requirements

• Monthly TDS returns
• Annual withholding statements
• TDS certificate issuance
• Quarterly reconciliation
• Digital filing mandatory

Key Deadlines

• TDS deposit: Within 15 days
• Monthly returns: By 15th of next month
• TDS certificates: Within 2 months
• Annual statements: By June 30
• Penalty for delays applies

Common Mistakes

• Incorrect rate application
• Missing PSR verification
• Late deposit and filing
• Inadequate documentation
• Wrong payee classification

Best Practices

• Maintain updated rate charts
• Verify payee TIN status
• Use digital platforms
• Regular compliance audits
• Professional consultation
Compliance Checklist








Future Outlook

Bangladesh’s TDS system continues to evolve with digitalization, expanded coverage, and enhanced compliance mechanisms. Stay updated with NBR circulars and professional guidance for optimal compliance.