A Complete Professional Guide for Businesses, Entrepreneurs and Tax Practitioners

VAT/BIN Registration Guide in Bangladesh(Finance Act 2026)

A Complete Professional Guide for Businesses, Entrepreneurs and Tax Practitioners

Introduction

A Business Identification Number (BIN) is a unique 13-digit identifier (sometimes referred to as an e-BIN) issued by the National Board of Revenue (NBR) for businesses registered under the Value Added Tax (VAT) system. It is an essential requirement for many business activities, including import, export, tender participation, and VAT compliance. Businesses that are required to register for VAT or turnover tax must obtain a BIN through the NBR’s online VAT portal (vat.gov.bd), operating under the Integrated VAT Administration System (iVAS).

What is BIN?

BIN (Business Identification Number) is a unique 13-digit number assigned by the NBR to identify a registered business for VAT purposes.

Legal Basis

• VAT and Supplementary Duty Act, 2012
• VAT and Supplementary Duty Rules, 2016
• Finance Act 2026 (where applicable)

Objectives of BIN Registration

• Legal recognition under the VAT system
• Collection and payment of VAT
• Issuing VAT-compliant invoices
• Claiming Input Tax Credit (where eligible)
• Participation in government tenders
• Import and export activities
• Opening business bank facilities where VAT registration is required

Who Should Obtain BIN?

Businesses that are required to register or enlist under the VAT system include:

• Sole Proprietorships
• Partnership Firms
• Private Limited Companies
• Public Limited Companies
• Manufacturers
• Importers
• Exporters
• Service Providers
• Contractors
• E-commerce Businesses
• NGOs (where applicable)
• Branch Offices of Foreign Companies

Eligibility depends on the nature of the business and the applicable turnover threshold under VAT law. As a general guide, mandatory VAT registration typically applies once annual turnover exceeds the NBR-prescribed threshold, while manufacturers, importers, exporters, and certain service categories may require registration irrespective of turnover. Voluntary registration is also available below the threshold, which allows a business to claim input tax credit and participate more easily in B2B and tender activity. Practitioners should confirm the current threshold on vat.gov.bd or with NBR at the time of filing, as thresholds are periodically revised.

Documents Required

Prepare the following documents before applying:

• Trade License
• Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
• National ID (NID) or Passport of the proprietor/directors
• Certificate of Incorporation (for companies)
• Memorandum and Articles of Association (companies)
• Partnership Deed (partnership firms)
• Rental Agreement or ownership documents for the business premises
• Bank Account Information
• Mobile Number
• Email Address
• Passport-size Photograph (if required)

Online BIN Registration Process

Step 1: Visit the NBR VAT Online Portal at vat.gov.bd.

Step 2: Create a taxpayer account using a mobile number and email address.

Step 3: Verify the mobile number and email through OTP.

Step 4: Select VAT Registration (BIN) from the dashboard.

Step 5: Complete the online application form (Mushak-2.1).

Step 6: Upload the required supporting documents.

Step 7: Review the application for accuracy.

Step 8: Submit the application electronically.

Step 9: If approved, download the BIN Registration Certificate (Mushak-2.3) from the portal.

Information Required in the Application

• Business Name
• Business Type
• Nature of Business
• Business Address
• Factory Address (if applicable)
• TIN
• Trade License Number
• Owner/Director Details
• Contact Information
• Bank Details

BIN Registration Fee

There is no government fee for applying for VAT registration/BIN through the NBR online system. Where a firm engages a professional advisor or tax practitioner to prepare and manage the application, separate professional service charges may apply.

Processing Time

Processing time depends on document verification and the completeness of the application. Straightforward, complete applications are generally processed within a few working days; the Divisional VAT Office may also carry out a physical inspection of the business premises in certain cases before approval.

After Receiving BIN

Once the BIN is issued:

• Display the VAT Registration Certificate at the business premises.
• Issue VAT-compliant invoices where applicable.
• Maintain VAT purchase and sales registers (Mushak-6.1 and Mushak-6.2).
• Submit monthly VAT returns (Mushak-9.1) if required.
• Keep business information updated with the NBR.

Common Reasons for Rejection

• Incorrect TIN
• Invalid or expired Trade License
• Incorrect business address
• Missing supporting documents
• Duplicate registration
• Incomplete application

Responsibilities After Registration

A registered business should:

• Issue VAT invoices
• Maintain VAT purchase and sales records
• Preserve supporting documents
• File VAT returns on time
• Pay VAT within the prescribed due dates
• Notify NBR of significant business changes

Benefits of BIN Registration

• Legal business recognition
• Improved business credibility
• Eligibility for government tenders
• Import and export compliance
• Ability to issue VAT invoices
• Better banking and corporate compliance
• Enhanced customer confidence

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using an expired Trade License
• Entering incorrect TIN information
• Uploading unreadable documents
• Selecting the wrong business category
• Failing to update business information after registration

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is BIN mandatory for every business?

Not every business must register for VAT. The requirement depends on the business’s activities and the applicable turnover threshold under VAT law.

2. Can I apply online?

Yes. BIN registration is available through the NBR VAT Online Portal at vat.gov.bd.

3. Is there a government registration fee?

No. The NBR states that applying for VAT registration/BIN is free of charge.

4. Can I update my BIN information later?

Yes. Changes such as address or business information should be updated through the NBR VAT system.

5. Is BIN different from TIN?

Yes. TIN is used for income tax purposes, while BIN is used for VAT administration.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Business Identification Number (BIN) is an important step for businesses that are required to register under Bangladesh’s VAT system. Proper registration helps ensure legal compliance, facilitates commercial operations, and supports transparent tax administration. Before applying, ensure that all supporting documents are accurate and up to date to avoid delays.

Prepared by Ismail and Associates — Chartered Accountancy Course Completion, Income Tax Practitioner (ITP), Dhaka Tax Bar Association.

Income Tax  ·  VAT  ·  Audit  ·  Corporate Advisory