Dhaka, Bangladesh – October 4, 2023 – In a groundbreaking move to support the burgeoning freelance industry, Bangladesh Bank, the country’s central bank, issued a notification on Sunday clarifying that freelancers are not required to pay taxes. This announcement was made in a notification signed by the Director of Foreign Exchange and Policy Department (FEPD) of Bangladesh Bank. According to the notification, tax deductions cannot be made at any source from the freelancing sector, citing specific provisions of the Income Tax Act 2023.
A Boost for Freelancers
The news of freelancers being exempted from taxation has brought relief and joy to the freelance community in Bangladesh. With the gig economy on the rise globally, this move by Bangladesh Bank is seen as a significant step toward nurturing and fostering the freelance sector within the country.
Bangladesh has witnessed a steady increase in the number of freelancers over the years, thanks to the availability of online platforms and a skilled workforce. These freelancers work in various domains, including graphic design, writing, software development, digital marketing, and more. However, the ambiguity regarding taxation had been a point of concern for many.
Key Points from the Notification
The Bangladesh Bank notification cites specific clauses within the Income Tax Act 2023 to substantiate its stance on tax exemption for freelancers. Clause (2)(a) of section 124 and clause 21 of part 1 of the sixth schedule are explicitly mentioned as the basis for this exemption.
Clause (2)(a) of section 124 of the Income Tax Act 2023 likely pertains to the tax treatment of freelance income. While the full text of the clause is not provided in the notification, it is evident that the authorities have considered this clause as the legal basis for exempting freelancers from taxation.
On the other hand, clause 21 of part 1 of the sixth schedule is likely to contain provisions regarding income tax rates and deductions. By referring to this clause, the notification seems to emphasize that freelancers should not be subjected to tax deductions at the source of their income.
The Impact on Freelancers
Freelancers in Bangladesh have long grappled with the complexities of income tax regulations. This announcement brings a sense of clarity and financial security to the freelance community, as they will no longer have to set aside a portion of their income for tax purposes.
One of the significant challenges for freelancers was the withholding tax, which required clients to deduct a percentage of the freelancer’s income at the source before making payments. This practice often led to disputes and complications, and freelancers frequently found themselves navigating the intricacies of tax filing.
Now, with the exemption in place, freelancers can look forward to more straightforward financial transactions and a boost in their take-home income. This move is expected to attract more individuals to explore freelancing as a viable career option, thereby contributing to the growth of the gig economy in Bangladesh.
Government’s Support for Economic Growth
Bangladesh has been actively working to promote its digital economy and position itself as an outsourcing hub in the region. The government has recognized the potential of the freelance industry in achieving these goals, and this tax exemption aligns with its vision of fostering economic growth through technology and innovation.
By exempting freelancers from taxation, the government is sending a strong signal that it values and supports the creative and skilled workforce in the country. This move is expected to not only retain existing freelancers but also attract foreign clients and companies looking to outsource work to Bangladesh-based freelancers.
Reactions from the Freelance Community
Freelancers across Bangladesh have welcomed the Bangladesh Bank’s notification with enthusiasm. Many have taken to social media platforms and online forums to express their joy and relief at the prospect of tax exemption. Some have even shared their personal stories of how tax deductions had previously affected their income and financial planning.
Sakib Rahman, a graphic designer from Dhaka, stated, “This is fantastic news! I used to lose a significant portion of my earnings to tax deductions. Now, I can focus on delivering quality work to my clients without worrying about complex tax calculations.”
Nadia Ahmed, a freelance writer, added, “I have always been passionate about freelancing, but the tax complications were discouraging. This exemption will not only make my financial planning more straightforward but also encourage more writers to explore freelance opportunities.”
Challenges and Implementation
While the tax exemption for freelancers is a significant step forward, there are challenges that the government and relevant authorities will need to address during implementation. Some of the key areas of concern include:
- Clarification on Eligibility: It will be important to clearly define who qualifies as a freelancer under this exemption. Ambiguity in this regard could lead to misinterpretations and potential disputes.
- Documentation and Reporting: Freelancers may still be required to maintain proper records of their income and financial transactions for documentation and reporting purposes. Guidelines on what freelancers need to track and report should be provided.
- Client Compliance: Ensuring that clients comply with the exemption and do not deduct taxes at the source could be a challenge. Effective monitoring and enforcement mechanisms will be essential.
- Revenue Implications: The government will need to assess the potential revenue implications of this exemption and explore alternative sources of revenue to compensate for the loss of tax income from freelancers.
The Bangladesh Bank’s notification exempting freelancers from taxation has set the stage for a more favorable environment for the freelance community in the country. This move not only aligns with the global trend of supporting the gig economy but also underscores the government’s commitment to nurturing the digital economy and promoting innovation.
As freelancers celebrate this significant step, there will undoubtedly be a period of adjustment and implementation challenges to overcome. However, the overall impact is expected to be positive, with more individuals exploring freelance opportunities and contributing to the growth of Bangladesh’s digital economy.
