Bangladesh’s economic rise has been impressive. According to the World Bank, with GDP growth soaring over seven percent annually, the country has graduated from the United Nation’s Least Developed country list and reached lower-middle-income status. But there’s a hitch: tax revenue hasn’t kept pace.
This gap is problematic as it signifies that the country is not meeting its full potential in terms of economic stability and growth, which ultimately means that the government is falling short on responding to societal needs and investing in the future development of the nation.
The Problem: A System Stuck in the Slow Lane
The current tax system is needlessly complex, rife with administrative shortcomings, and heavily reliant on indirect taxes like customs duties, as opposed to direct taxes like income tax, which are paid directly by the final consumer. Overly complex tax policies and provisions make tax adherence difficult to enforce for governments and create loopholes, resulting in an uneven playing field for consumers and discouraging investment.
The Bangladesh Tax Benchmarking Study, a 2020 study by the Fiscal Accountability and Sustainable Trade (FAST) project, funded by USAID and implemented by DevTech, identified the issues and offered a roadmap for improvement. Here’s what they found:
- Outdated System: The tax administration is fragmented, with separate departments for income tax, VAT, and customs, without clear coordination mechanisms. This inefficiency not only slows everything down for taxpayers but also prevents an integrated view of tax policy that could avoid significant distortions in the economy.
- Leaky Revenue Collection: Loopholes and a narrow tax base mean a significant portion of the economy escapes taxation. For example, corporations may be paying less taxes by transferring their profits out of the country, limiting the ability of the government to garner robust tax revenue without high tax rates.
- Outdated Tech: The tax office needs a digital upgrade. Outdated systems make compliance a chore for businesses and individuals.
The Path Forward: Implementing Effective Tax Reforms
The FAST project has identified several key areas for improvement and proposes a comprehensive strategy to revitalize Bangladesh’s tax system. This multi-faceted approach aims to address the identified shortcomings and enhance overall efficiency.
- Streamline and Integrate: Break down the silos. Merging tax departments will boost communication and efficiency.
- Tax Code Makeover: Simplify the tax code, especially the VAT system, to make compliance easier and encourage investment.
- Tech Revolution: Embrace digital solutions for filing, payments, and record-keeping. This will save time, reduce errors, and improve transparency.
- Broaden the Base, Not the Burden: Bring more people and businesses into the tax net, but do it fairly.
- Compliance with a Bite: Strengthen enforcement measures to crack down on evasion and fraud. Data analytics can help identify potential scofflaws.
- Building Capacity: Invest in training for tax officials to ensure they have the skills to handle a modern tax system.
Why This Matters: Beyond Balancing the Books
A robust tax system isn’t just about collecting money. It’s about building a fairer society where everyone contributes to essential services like education and healthcare. It’s about attracting investment and creating a thriving business environment. Ultimately, a modern tax system is the fuel Bangladesh needs to sustain its impressive economic journey.
Bangladesh’s tax transformation can serve as a blueprint for other developing nations. By following these steps, countries can unlock their full economic potential and create a brighter future for all. This is particularly vital for countries facing fiscal distress, as it directly impacts the government’s ability to manage debt levels and restore fiscal health in countries grappling with debt sustainability challenges.
To learn more about the USAID FAST project and its efforts to promote sustainable and equitable economic growth, read the FAST Case Study.