STAFF CORRESPONDENT

The government plans to bring several business sectors, including grocery stores and beauty parlours, under Value-Added Tax coverage in the 2026-27 fiscal year.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury disclosed the plan during the parliament’s question-and-answer session yesterday.

Responding to a query from reserved-seat MP Selina Sultana, the minister said ready-made garment retailers, confectioneries, cosmetics shops, and sellers of plastic and ceramic household goods would also be brought under the VAT net.

Other businesses listed for VAT coverage include shoe stores, hardware shops, decorators, retailers of mobile phones and electronic appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators and ovens, sanitary fittings and tiles shops, corrugated tin sheet sellers, rod and cement traders, furniture stores, sweetmeat shops, and restaurants.

The minister also said VAT revenue collection reached Tk 1,41,586 crore in the 2024-25 fiscal year.

According to the National Board of Revenue, collection of VAT and SD from domestic sources grew 10 percent year on year to Tk 1,40,168 crore until May this fiscal year.

In the budget for 2026-27 fiscal year, the government has set the VAT collection target at Tk 2,23,480 crore.