The government has raised the threshold for purchasing savings certificates without income tax return documents from Tk 5 lakh to Tk 10 lakh, easing access to small-scale investors.

According to a circular issued by the National Savings Directorate, individuals can now invest up to Tk 10 lakh in savings instruments without providing proof of income tax return submission.

The change is based on a gazette notification published in June by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs.

Investments above this new threshold will still require submission of an income tax return, in line with existing financial transparency regulations. The circular marks a departure from the previous rule that required tax documentation for any investment exceeding Tk 5 lakh.

Officials say the move is intended to make savings schemes more accessible, particularly for lower-income and informal sector participants who may not be regular taxpayers but still wish to invest in government-backed instruments.

Separately, on 1 July, the Internal Resources Division under the Ministry of Finance also revised the profit rates for five savings schemes administered by the National Savings Directorate.

The new rates now range between 11.82% and 11.98%, depending on the specific scheme. These updated rates took effect at the beginning of the new fiscal year.

The government manages several types of savings certificates, including schemes for pensioners, women, and institutional investors, which play a vital role in mobilising domestic resources.