The government has formally granted public welfare status to nine non-profit organisations, allowing individual taxpayers to receive tax rebates on donations made to these groups.

A gazette notification issued this week confirms that contributions to these institutions will be exempt from income tax under the provisions of the Income Tax Act. The exemption takes immediate effect and will remain valid until 30 June 2030, according to a UNB report.

The nine newly recognised organisations are: Bangladesh Thalassemia Foundation, Mastul Foundation, SOS Children’s Village International in Bangladesh, Rogi Kallyan Samiti, Bangladesh National Federation of the Deaf, Gonoshasthaya Kendra, Dhaka Ahsania Mission, Palliative Care Society of Bangladesh (PCSB), and Agami Education Foundation.

The move is aimed at promoting philanthropy and strengthening support for sectors such as healthcare, education for disadvantaged children, and services for people with disabilities.

Previously, only a limited number of institutions qualified for such benefits. The new list reflects a broader acknowledgement of the social impact of non-profit work across Bangladesh.

Officials from the National Board of Revenue (NBR) have advised donors to keep proper records of their contributions to avail the tax rebate during annual tax filings.