Land development taxes and fees in Bangladesh

Land development is one of the most important processes in the context of Dhaka’s development. To manage and support this development, the government of Bangladesh imposes various taxes and fees related to land development. These financial tools play a crucial role in funding urban infrastructure and regulating land use. In this blog post, we will discuss different types of land development taxes and fees in Bangladesh.

Land development taxes and fees in Bangladesh

Government services regarding land tax

To facilitate the payment of land development taxes and improve the overall experience for landowners and developers, the government has introduced several services and platforms. These platforms are:

Government services regarding land tax

Land tax paying guideline

Pay land development tax online

Paying land development tax online is an easy option for property owners and developers in Bangladesh. The process simplifies tax payments and reduces the need for physical visits to government offices. The Ministry of Land takes this initiative to smooth the whole process. Here’s a guide on how to pay your land development tax online:

  • Access the official portal
  • Register or Log In
  • Select the type of tax
  • Calculate the tax amount
  • Enter payment details
  • Review and confirm
  • Obtain and save Receipt
  • Contact support if needed
  • Documentation
Pay land development tax online

Purpose of land development tax

Land development taxes and fees serve multiple important purposes in the context of urban planning and development. Here are the primary purposes of land development taxes and fees:

  • Funding city development: Urban development requires significant financial resources to build and maintain infrastructure, public services, and amenities. Land development taxes and fees provide a vital source of revenue for these initiatives.
  • Regulating land use: It plays an important role in regulating land use and ensuring orderly urban development. They help enforce zoning regulations and guide the development process. By imposing higher taxes on non-compliant developments, the government can encourage adherence to zoning laws.
  • Preventing land speculation: Land speculation, where individuals buy land purely for profit without intending to develop it, can lead to inefficiencies and increased land prices. It helps mitigate this issue. Imposing a holding tax on undeveloped land encourages owners to develop their properties rather than hold them for speculative gains.
  • Promoting sustainable development: Sustainable development aims to balance economic growth with environmental protection and social equity. Taxes can be structured to promote environmentally friendly development practices, such as green building standards or conservation efforts.

Types of land taxes and fees

Land taxes and fees are crucial for the effective management of urban development and infrastructure. In Bangladesh, various types of land taxes and fees are imposed on property owners and developers. Here’s an overview of the main types of land taxes and fees:

  • Property tax: It is an annual tax levied on landowners based on the estimated value of their land and any structures built on it. To generate revenue for the local government to fund infrastructure improvements and public services.
  • Holding tax: Holding tax, also known as land holding tax, is a regular tax imposed on the ownership of real estate. To incentivize property owners to develop their properties and prevent land from being left idle.
  • Development charge: Development charges are one-time fees paid by property owners when they undertake new construction or development projects. The fee is based on various factors such as the size of the project, its location, and the intended land use.
  • Land transfer tax: Also known as property transfer duty, is imposed when ownership of a property changes hands. To generate revenue from real estate transactions is its main purpose.

Land development taxes and fees

These financial tools continue to play a pivotal role in funding public services, regulating land use, and ensuring sustainable growth. Here are the key aspects of land development taxes and fees in Bangladesh:

Type of Property Important Documents Government Registration Fees Additional Charges
Residential land Tax payment receipts, sale deed, property map, worker's license, ID card, passport, and certificate of occupation. BDT 15,000 + 0.5% of market value over BDT 3,000,000 2% of the market value.
Commercial land Same as above BDT 15,000 + 0.5% of market value over BDT 3,000,000 2% of the market value.
Agricultural land Same as above BDT 15,000 + 0.5% of market value over BDT 3,000,000 2% of the market value.
House Same as above BDT 15,000 + 0.5% of market value over BDT 3,000,000 2% of the market value.
Flat Same as above BDT 15,000 + 0.5% of market value over BDT 3,000,000 2% of the market value.
Shop Same as above BDT 15,000 + 0.5% of market value over BDT 3,000,000 2% of the market value.
Office Same as above BDT 15,000 + 0.5% of market value over BDT 3,000,000 2% of the market value.
Factory Same as above BDT 15,000 + 0.5% of market value over BDT 3,000,000 2% of the market value.
Warehouse Same as above BDT 15,000 + 0.5% of market value over BDT 3,000,000 2% of the market value.
Godown Same as above BDT 15,000 + 0.5% of market value over BDT 3,000,000 2% of the market value.
Workshop Same as above BDT 15,000 + 0.5% of market value over BDT 3,000,000 2% of the market value.
Final Remark

Land taxes and fees are very crucial for urban infrastructure development funding in Dhaka. Balancing revenue generation with social equity remains a challenge. As one of the leading real estate companies in Bangladesh Assure Group follows all the rules and regulations regarding this. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you.

Frequently asked questions regarding land tax
Property taxes are calculated based on the assessed value of the land and any structures on it. The tax rate is a percentage of this assessed value, which reflects current market conditions and property characteristics.
Holding tax is an annual tax imposed on the ownership of real estate. It aims to encourage property owners to develop their land rather than leave it idle, thereby promoting efficient land use and preventing urban sprawl.
Development charges are one-time fees charged to property owners when they initiate new construction or development projects. These fees help cover the costs of expanding infrastructure to accommodate new developments.
Land transfer tax is calculated as a percentage of the property's sale value when ownership changes hands. This tax helps generate revenue from real estate transactions and recover a portion of the proceeds from property sales and transfers.
The hotline service (16122) assists with tax payment issues and offers guidance on using online services. It is a valuable resource for property owners who have questions or encounter problems with the tax payment process.