Dhaka, March 18 -- The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) on Tuesday proposed setting the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate at a single-digit level in the national budget for the fiscal year 2025-26.

The chamber also recommended a 1% VAT rate for informal sector businesses to enhance transparency, reduce operational costs and positively impact the manufacturing sector.

Currently, the standard VAT rate stands at 15%, with multiple lower rates of 10%, 7.5%, and 5% in different sectors, leading to complexities and disputes.

Besides, inconsistent VAT rebate benefits impose extra financial burdens on businesses.

During a pre-budget discussion at the National Board of Revenue (NBR) conference centre, DCCI President Taskin Ahmed presented ...