The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has officially launched a fully online VAT refund system, allowing businesses to apply, process, and receive refunds directly in their bank accounts. The new module aims to reduce harassment and delays that traders have long complained about. Integrated with the Finance Division’s iBAS++ platform, the system will automatically transfer approved refund amounts via the Bangladesh Electronic Funds Transfer Network (BEFTN). Businesses can now file refund applications through their VAT returns, eliminating the need for manual paperwork or office visits. NBR officials say this digital shift is part of the agency’s broader automation drive to enhance transparency and accountability. All VAT commissionerate staff have received training, and pending manual applications must be resubmitted through the new IVAS system using Form VAT 9.1.