Gov Circular TOR Tax Calculator 2019-20
Introduction & Importance of TOR Tax Calculation 2019-20
The TOR (Taxpayer’s Own Return) system introduced in the 2019-20 fiscal year represents a significant shift in Bangladesh’s tax administration. This system moved from the traditional assessment-based approach to a self-assessment methodology where taxpayers calculate and report their own tax liabilities.
Under the Income Tax Ordinance 1984 (amended up to 2019), the TOR system requires taxpayers to:
- Calculate their taxable income according to prescribed rules
- Determine applicable tax rates based on income slabs
- Claim eligible deductions and rebates
- File returns electronically through the NBR portal
- Make advance tax payments in quarterly installments
The 2019-20 circular introduced several key changes:
- Revised income tax slabs with adjusted rates
- Enhanced rebate provisions for investments (up to 15% of total income)
- Special concessions for female taxpayers and senior citizens
- Stricter documentation requirements for deductions
- Mandatory e-filing for certain income thresholds
According to the National Board of Revenue (NBR), the TOR system aims to increase tax compliance from the current 12% of eligible taxpayers to 30% by 2025. The 2019-20 circular specifically targets informal sector professionals and small business owners who previously fell outside the tax net.
How to Use This TOR Tax Calculator
Our interactive calculator follows the exact methodology prescribed in the 2019-20 NBR circular. Here’s how to use it effectively:
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Enter Your Annual Income
Input your total annual income from all sources (salary, business, investments, etc.) in Bangladeshi Taka. For salaried individuals, this should match your Form 16B amount.
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Select Your Taxpayer Status
Choose the appropriate category:
- Individual: Default category for male taxpayers under 65
- Female Taxpayer: Eligible for additional BDT 50,000 exemption
- Senior Citizen (65+): Qualifies for higher exemption threshold
- Disabled Taxpayer: Eligible for special concessions under Section 34
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Enter Eligible Investments
Input the total amount invested in approved instruments during the fiscal year. Eligible investments include:
- Life insurance premiums (up to 10% of total income)
- Contributions to Provident Funds
- Investments in approved debentures or stocks
- Deposits in pension schemes
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Enter Approved Donations
Specify donations made to approved charitable organizations. These are deductible up to 10% of your total income under Section 30C.
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Review Your Results
The calculator will display:
- Your taxable income after deductions
- Calculated tax before rebates
- Total rebate amount from investments
- Final net payable tax amount
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Visualize Your Tax Breakdown
The interactive chart shows how your income is distributed across different tax slabs, helping you understand marginal tax rates.
Important: This calculator provides estimates based on the information you provide. For official filing, always consult the NBR’s official guidelines or a certified tax professional.
Formula & Methodology Behind the Calculator
The 2019-20 TOR tax calculation follows a progressive tax system with specific rules for deductions and rebates. Here’s the exact methodology implemented in our calculator:
Step 1: Determine Taxable Income
Taxable Income = (Total Income) – (Basic Exemption) – (Eligible Deductions)
| Taxpayer Category | Basic Exemption (BDT) | Additional Exemption for Female/Senior |
|---|---|---|
| General Taxpayer | 250,000 | N/A |
| Female Taxpayer | 300,000 | 50,000 |
| Senior Citizen (65+) | 350,000 | 100,000 |
| Disabled Taxpayer | 375,000 | 125,000 |
Step 2: Apply Progressive Tax Rates
The 2019-20 circular specifies the following tax slabs:
| Income Range (BDT) | Tax Rate | Tax Calculation |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 300,000 | 0% | 0 |
| 300,001 – 400,000 | 5% | (Income – 300,000) × 0.05 |
| 400,001 – 700,000 | 10% | 5,000 + (Income – 400,000) × 0.10 |
| 700,001 – 1,000,000 | 15% | 45,000 + (Income – 700,000) × 0.15 |
| 1,000,001 – 1,500,000 | 20% | 105,000 + (Income – 1,000,000) × 0.20 |
| Above 1,500,000 | 25% | 205,000 + (Income – 1,500,000) × 0.25 |
Step 3: Calculate Investment Rebate
The calculator applies the following rebate rules:
- Maximum rebate is 15% of total income or BDT 1,500,000 (whichever is lower)
- Rebate is calculated at 15% of eligible investments
- For senior citizens, the rebate rate increases to 20%
- Donations to approved funds qualify for additional 10% rebate
The final formula implemented is:
Net Payable Tax = (Calculated Tax) - (Investment Rebate) - (Donation Rebate)
Our calculator automatically handles all edge cases including:
- Minimum tax thresholds for different taxpayer categories
- Maximum rebate limits based on income levels
- Special provisions for disabled taxpayers
- Round-up rules for final tax amounts
Real-World Case Studies
Case Study 1: Salaried Professional (Male, 35)
Scenario: Rahim works as a marketing manager with an annual salary of BDT 850,000. He invested BDT 120,000 in approved instruments and donated BDT 30,000 to an approved charity.
| Total Income: | BDT 850,000 |
| Basic Exemption: | BDT 250,000 |
| Taxable Income: | BDT 600,000 |
| Calculated Tax: | BDT 55,000 |
| Investment Rebate (15%): | BDT 18,000 |
| Donation Rebate (10%): | BDT 3,000 |
| Net Payable Tax: | BDT 34,000 |
Key Takeaway: By utilizing available rebates, Rahim reduced his tax liability by 41.8%. The calculator shows how strategic investments can significantly lower tax burdens.
Case Study 2: Female Entrepreneur (42)
Scenario: Nasreen owns a boutique with annual income of BDT 1,200,000. She invested BDT 180,000 and made no donations.
| Total Income: | BDT 1,200,000 |
| Basic Exemption: | BDT 300,000 |
| Taxable Income: | BDT 900,000 |
| Calculated Tax: | BDT 105,000 |
| Investment Rebate (15%): | BDT 27,000 |
| Net Payable Tax: | BDT 78,000 |
Key Takeaway: As a female taxpayer, Nasreen benefits from the higher exemption threshold (BDT 300,000 vs BDT 250,000), reducing her taxable income by BDT 50,000 compared to male taxpayers.
Case Study 3: Retired Senior Citizen (68)
Scenario: Mr. Ahmed has pension income of BDT 950,000 and investment income of BDT 200,000. He invested BDT 150,000 in approved schemes.
| Total Income: | BDT 1,150,000 |
| Basic Exemption: | BDT 450,000 |
| Taxable Income: | BDT 700,000 |
| Calculated Tax: | BDT 70,000 |
| Investment Rebate (20%): | BDT 30,000 |
| Net Payable Tax: | BDT 40,000 |
Key Takeaway: Senior citizens enjoy both higher exemption limits (BDT 350,000 + BDT 100,000) and increased rebate rates (20% vs 15%), making their effective tax rate significantly lower.
Comprehensive Data & Statistics
Comparison of Tax Slabs: 2018-19 vs 2019-20
| Income Range (BDT) | 2018-19 Tax Rate | 2019-20 Tax Rate | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 250,000 | 0% | 0% | No change |
| 250,001 – 300,000 | 10% | 0% | -10% |
| 300,001 – 400,000 | 10% | 5% | -5% |
| 400,001 – 700,000 | 15% | 10% | -5% |
| 700,001 – 1,000,000 | 20% | 15% | -5% |
| Above 1,000,000 | 25% | 20-25% | Progressive |
Rebate Comparison by Taxpayer Category
| Category | 2018-19 Max Rebate | 2019-20 Max Rebate | Rebate Rate | Eligible Investments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Taxpayer | BDT 1,000,000 | BDT 1,500,000 | 15% | Life insurance, PF, stocks |
| Female Taxpayer | BDT 1,200,000 | BDT 1,500,000 | 15% | + Additional BDT 50,000 exemption |
| Senior Citizen | BDT 1,200,000 | BDT 1,500,000 | 20% | + Higher exemption threshold |
| Disabled Taxpayer | BDT 1,300,000 | BDT 1,600,000 | 20% | + Special medical deductions |
Tax Collection Statistics (2019-20)
According to the Ministry of Finance, the 2019-20 fiscal year saw significant changes in tax collection patterns:
- Total individual tax collection increased by 18.7% over 2018-19
- E-filing adoption rose from 32% to 48% of total filers
- Average tax rebate claimed per taxpayer increased by BDT 12,500
- Female taxpayer participation grew by 24% year-over-year
- Senior citizen filings increased by 19% due to higher exemptions
The TOR system implementation contributed to:
- 22% reduction in tax disputes and appeals
- 35% faster processing of tax refunds
- 40% increase in voluntary compliance among first-time filers
- 15% growth in tax collection from informal sector professionals
Expert Tips for Optimizing Your TOR Tax
Maximizing Your Exemptions
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Document All Income Sources
Maintain separate records for:
- Salary income (Form 16B)
- Business/profession income
- Rental income (with proper lease agreements)
- Investment income (dividends, interest)
- Capital gains (property, stocks)
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Utilize All Available Deductions
Commonly missed deductions include:
- Medical expenses (up to BDT 100,000 with receipts)
- Education expenses for children (BDT 50,000 per child)
- Home loan interest (up to BDT 300,000)
- Contributions to recognized provident funds
- Professional membership fees
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Strategic Investment Planning
To maximize your BDT 1,500,000 rebate:
- Prioritize life insurance premiums (immediate rebate)
- Consider 5-year deposit schemes (higher returns + rebate)
- Invest in approved debentures (15% rebate + potential capital gains)
- Contribute to pension funds (long-term benefits)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Underreporting Income: The NBR cross-checks with:
- Bank transaction records
- Property registration data
- Stock market transactions
- Third-party reporting (employers, clients)
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Missing Deadlines:
- Advance tax payments (15th of March, June, September, December)
- Final return submission (November 30 for most taxpayers)
- Rebate investment proofs (must be submitted with return)
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Incorrect Rebate Claims:
- Only approved instruments qualify
- Investments must be made in the same fiscal year
- Maximum rebate cannot exceed 15% of total income
- Proper documentation is mandatory
Advanced Tax Planning Strategies
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Income Splitting
For business owners and professionals:
- Distribute income among family members
- Utilize lower tax brackets of spouse/children
- Create family trusts for asset protection
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Deferral Techniques
Legally defer income to future years:
- Delay billing for professional services
- Postpone bonus payments
- Use installment sales for property
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Asset Location Optimization
Place different assets in appropriate accounts:
- High-growth assets in tax-free accounts
- Income-generating assets in tax-deferred accounts
- Use corporate structures for business assets
Pro Tip: The NBR offers a pre-filing consultation service where you can get your draft return reviewed by tax officers before final submission. This service is free for first-time filers and can help avoid costly mistakes.
Interactive FAQ: Your TOR Tax Questions Answered
What happens if I miss the advance tax payment deadlines?
Missing advance tax deadlines triggers penalties under Section 74 of the Income Tax Ordinance:
- First missed installment: 2% of the unpaid amount
- Subsequent miss: Additional 2% per month (max 10%)
- Final return penalty: 10% of total tax due if advance tax is less than 90% of liability
Solution: Pay the missed installment immediately with the penalty. The NBR allows adjustment in subsequent installments if you pay the penalty first.
Can I claim rebate on investments made in my spouse’s name?
No, the 2019-20 circular explicitly states that rebates are only available for investments made in the taxpayer’s own name. However, there are two exceptions:
- Joint Investments: If you’re a joint holder (with your spouse) in an approved instrument, you can claim rebate proportionate to your contribution.
- Minor Children: Investments made in the name of minor children qualify for rebate, but the total family rebate cannot exceed BDT 1,500,000.
Documentation Required: For joint investments, you must provide:
- Bank certificate showing contribution percentages
- Joint account statements
- Affidavit declaring your share of investment
How does the NBR verify my investment rebate claims?
The NBR uses a multi-layer verification system:
Automated Checks:
- Cross-references with financial institution reports
- Validates against your reported income level
- Checks for duplicate claims across family members
Manual Verification:
- Random selection of 15% of rebate claims for audit
- Physical verification of investment certificates
- Interviews with financial institutions
Red Flags That Trigger Audits:
- Rebate claims exceeding 14% of total income
- Investments made in the last quarter of the fiscal year
- Discrepancies between declared income and investment amounts
- Multiple rebate claims from the same financial institution
Best Practice: Maintain original investment certificates for at least 6 years. The NBR can request documentation up to 5 years after filing.
What are the special provisions for disabled taxpayers in 2019-20?
The 2019-20 circular introduced enhanced benefits for disabled taxpayers:
Income Exemptions:
- Basic exemption increased to BDT 375,000
- Additional BDT 125,000 exemption for severe disabilities
- Medical expense deduction increased to BDT 150,000 (with proper documentation)
Rebate Enhancements:
- Maximum rebate limit increased to BDT 1,600,000
- Rebate rate increased to 20% (vs 15% for general taxpayers)
- Special rebate for assistive devices (up to BDT 50,000)
- Extended deadline (December 31 instead of November 30)
- Priority processing of returns
- Free e-filing assistance at NBR service centers
- Disability certificate from authorized medical board
- For severe disabilities: Additional certification from specialized hospital
- Receipts for assistive devices (wheelchairs, prosthetics, etc.)
Filing Accommodations:
Documentation Required:
How does the TOR system handle capital gains from property sales?
Capital gains from property are treated differently under the TOR system:
Tax Calculation:
- Gains are calculated as: (Sale Price) – (Purchase Price) – (Improvement Costs) – (Transfer Costs)
- Flat tax rate of 15% applies to the gain amount
- No exemption threshold for capital gains
Special Provisions:
- Primary Residence Exemption: Gains from sale of primary residence are tax-free if:
- Property was owned for ≥5 years
- Proceeds are reinvested in another residence within 2 years
- Maximum exemption BDT 5,000,000 per taxpayer
- Agricultural Land: Gains from agricultural land sales are exempt if:
- Land was used for agriculture for ≥3 years
- Sale proceeds are reinvested in agricultural land
- Maximum 5 acres qualify for exemption
Documentation Requirements:
- Original purchase deed
- Improvement receipts (with dates)
- Sale agreement
- Bank statements showing transaction flow
- For exemptions: Proof of reinvestment
Important: Capital gains must be reported separately in Schedule CG of your TOR return. Failure to report can result in penalties of 200% of the tax due plus interest.
What are the consequences of filing an incorrect TOR return?
The 2019-20 circular introduced stricter penalties for incorrect filings:
Monetary Penalties:
| Offense | Penalty | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Underreporting income by ≤20% | 10% of tax due on underreported amount | BDT 50,000 |
| Underreporting income by >20% | 20% of tax due + 2% per month | BDT 500,000 |
| False deduction claims | 100% of tax avoided | BDT 200,000 |
| Late filing (without extension) | BDT 500 per day | BDT 50,000 |
| Failure to file | BDT 1,000 per day + 15% of assessed tax | BDT 200,000 |
Non-Monetary Consequences:
- Audit Trigger: Automatic selection for comprehensive audit
- Credit Impact: Negative reporting to Credit Information Bureau
- Travel Restrictions: Potential inclusion in “non-compliant taxpayer” list
- Business Impact: For business owners, potential suspension of trade licenses
- Legal Action: Criminal prosecution for willful evasion (under Section 140)
Voluntary Disclosure Program:
The NBR offers reduced penalties if you voluntarily correct errors before detection:
- Penalty reduced to 5% of additional tax due
- No criminal prosecution
- Must be done before receiving any notice from NBR
How do I handle income from foreign sources in my TOR return?
Foreign income reporting follows special rules under the 2019-20 circular:
Residency Determination:
- Resident Taxpayer: Must report worldwide income if:
- Present in Bangladesh ≥182 days in the fiscal year
- Or present ≥90 days in current year + 365 days in preceding 4 years
- Non-Resident: Only Bangladesh-sourced income is taxable
Foreign Income Categories:
| Income Type | Tax Treatment | Documentation Required |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Salary | Taxable if remitted to Bangladesh | Employment contract, bank statements |
| Foreign Business Income | Taxable on remittance basis | Business registration, financial statements |
| Foreign Dividends | 15% final tax (no further tax) | Dividend vouchers, bank credit advice |
| Foreign Interest | Taxable at progressive rates | Interest certificates, bank statements |
| Capital Gains (Foreign) | Exempt if tax paid abroad (with DTA) | Sale documents, foreign tax receipts |
Double Taxation Avoidance:
Bangladesh has Double Taxation Avoidance (DTA) agreements with 34 countries. To claim relief:
- Obtain Tax Residency Certificate from foreign tax authority
- Submit Form 16C with your TOR return
- Provide proof of foreign tax payment
- Claim either:
- Exemption method: Foreign income exempt if taxed abroad
- Credit method: Credit for foreign tax paid against Bangladesh tax
Special Reporting Requirements:
- Foreign assets >BDT 5,000,000 must be declared in Schedule FA
- Foreign bank accounts must be reported regardless of balance
- Foreign income >BDT 200,000 requires additional disclosure in Schedule FI
Important: The NBR has increased scrutiny on foreign income since 2019. They now receive automatic information exchange from 98 countries under the Common Reporting Standard (CRS).