The tax season has begun and over 300 businesses in Thimphu have already filed their Business Income Tax through tax intermediaries. Launched as a pilot project last year, the initiative is gaining positive feedback from taxpayers. By streamlining the process, tax intermediaries have made filing more accessible and efficient for taxpayers.
The Department of Revenue and Customs trained 90 tax intermediaries as part of the pilot project last year. They were trained in filing income tax returns, completing online registrations, and obtaining Tax Clearance Certificates.
The department no longer offers walk-in tax payment services. Taxpayers must now file taxes using the BIT Estimated Tax App (BETA) which enables tax intermediaries to file tax returns on their behalf. Submissions are then verified by tax officials.
“We introduced this pilot project because many business owners in the country are not well-versed in maintaining accounting records or filing taxes. And most of them face issues to navigate the process,” said Sonam Jamtsho, director general at the Department of Revenue and Customs.
Sixty-four-year-old Lobzang, who runs a scrap business in Hejo, is among the many business owners who have come to file taxes. Having filed taxes for years at the Department of Revenue and Customs office, he said that this year’s process was faster and more convenient compared to previous experiences.
“What used to take two days now takes just one with the help of agents. If you have all your documents ready, it can be done in under five minutes, and you’re on your way home. The service is much faster and more efficient than before.”
Other business owners also expressed positive feedback on the convenience and ease of filing their taxes with the help of tax intermediaries.
“For those of us without an education, this service is both helpful and necessary. Although there’s a filing fee, it’s affordable and worthwhile for those who can’t handle the process on their own,” said Kuenzang Choden.
“The intermediaries take the time to communicate with you and ensure the filing is done correctly. Along the way, they even offer helpful advice. This initiative not only provides faster service but also creates employment opportunities,” said Tshewang Rinzin.
While many work remotely, three tax intermediaries are currently stationed at the BCCI office for on-site assistance.
One of the agents is 20-year-old Dorji Lethro, a final-year student at Gedu College of Business Studies. Dorji sees the role as an opportunity to earn an income while gaining practical, hands-on experience.
“Out of around 200 clients, we’ve assisted with tax filings, about 98 per cent were uneducated. Even those who are educated often lack familiarity with the tax filing process. Working closely with them allows us to provide meaningful help, and offering them advice gives us a sense of accomplishment and purpose.”
Currently, around 40 active agents are stationed in key locations across Bhutan, including Thimphu, Samdrup Jongkhar, Paro, and Phuentsholing. If successful, the DRC plans to expand the use of tax intermediaries to further streamline the tax filing process.
Karma Samten Wangda
Edited by Sonam Pem
