Under new wealth-tax provisions in the upcoming 2025–26 budget, which will be unveiled on June 2, affluent individuals in Bangladesh could see a significant rise in taxes.

Officials say the base for calculating wealth surcharges will shift from source tax or business turnover to actual payable taxes. This change is expected to substantially increase the tax burden on high-net-worth individuals.

Currently, wealth up to Tk 40 million is exempt from surcharge. The proposed Finance Bill 2024 suggests a minimum surcharge rate of 10% for net assets exceeding Tk 40 million, rising to 35% for assets over Tk 1 billion. The current maximum rate of 35% applies only to assets above Tk 500 million.

The budget is also expected to introduce higher tax rates—three to five times current levels—for whitening black money invested in real estate. While the facility to legalise undeclared funds may continue, it will come with stricter conditions and higher penalties, particularly in upscale Dhaka neighbourhoods like Gulshan, Banani, and Dhanmondi.

Currently, taxpayers pay Tk 6,000 per square metre for structures and Tk 15,000 for land in prime areas. These rates may increase up to fivefold.

Additionally, a new source tax could be imposed on 150 imported goods—excluding essentials—starting July 1, 2025. Items potentially affected include raw materials for apparel, electronics, and computers.

Despite recent tax relaxations for the wealthy, the upcoming budget signals a policy shift aimed at increasing revenue from high-income groups and curbing the use of undisclosed money.