The National Board of Revenue (NBR) is set to introduce Korshathi (tax companion), a digital chatbot service expected to bring a major transformation in the country's tax culture by making tax-related information and services easier to access.
The chatbot will be introduced under the project titled 'Strengthening Domestic Revenue Mobilisation', funded by the World Bank.
Project Director Md Masudur Rahman said Korshathi is envisioned as the digital friend of taxpayers, helping people understand their tax obligations, access NBR services, and navigate the automated tax administration system more easily.
"It is one of the key tools that will help achieve this transformation," he said.
Through the broader SDRM initiative, the vision is to reduce paperwork and physical interaction, ensure greater transparency, accelerate service delivery, and build a more taxpayer-centric NBR, according to the project director.
The chatbot will provide taxpayers with information and guidance on income tax, VAT, and customs through a user-friendly conversational format.
It will explain tax laws, rules, procedures, forms, circulars, and SROs in simple language, as well as provide step-by-step assistance for common taxpayer services and compliance requirements.
The chatbot will also help taxpayers navigate various digital services and business processes by indicating what actions they need to take, where they need to go, and what documents or information may be required.
Where necessary, it will direct users to the relevant NBR services or digital platforms.
The system is expected to reduce taxpayers' dependence on physical visits and manual queries, saving time for both taxpayers and NBR officials.
It will also provide consistent and standardised information, helping reduce confusion caused by information coming from multiple sources. Subject to the final system design and availability, Korshathi is also expected to provide taxpayer support around the clock.
The service will be integrated with relevant government databases, allowing taxpayers to access various tax-related documents and information using their National Identity Card (NID) numbers.
Through the broader Tax-friend service, taxpayers will be able to access information on import data, proof of submission of returns (PSR), VAT paid at the import stage, advance tax payments, and refund applications, among other services.
A presentation made at the Revenue Conference 2026 before Prime Minister Tarique Rahman illustrated how the proposed digital service could simplify taxpayers' access to government services.
In one example, a taxpayer went to a bank to invest in a savings certificate but did not have a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), PSR, or other required documents.
Using the app and its chatbot, the taxpayer was able to obtain the required information and services without facing the existing complexities, according to the presentation.
Another example involved a businesswoman who used the Tax-friend app to obtain VAT-related services, including information on VAT paid at the import stage and assistance with submitting a VAT refund application.
The proposed system is expected to reduce physical interaction between taxpayers and tax officials while making revenue administration more transparent, accessible, and efficient.
If implemented effectively, Korshathi could become a key digital tool in transforming Bangladesh's tax administration and developing a more taxpayer-friendly tax culture.
