How to Pay Land Tax in Bangladesh: A Step-by-Step Guide

Paying land tax in Bangladesh might seem confusing at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s actually pretty simple. If you own land, you’re required to pay a tax called land development tax, and missing payments can lead to fines or other legal trouble. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the entire process in a clear and easy way, so you can take care of it without stress.

Why Do You Need to Pay Land Tax?

If you own land, paying tax on it isn’t just another government rule—it helps fund roads, schools, and other essential services. More importantly, paying on time keeps your land ownership record clean, which can prevent legal issues down the line.

Some people ignore their land tax, thinking it doesn’t matter. But if you ever need to sell or transfer your land, unpaid taxes can create unnecessary headaches. So, it’s always a good idea to stay on top of it.

Things You’ll Need Before You Start

Before you jump into the payment process, make sure you have these things ready:

• National ID (NID): This is essential for registration and verification.
• Land Ownership Documents: You’ll need papers like the Khatian (record of rights) and Mouza map to confirm ownership.
• A Mobile Financial Service (MFS) Account: If you want to pay online, services like bKash, Nagad, or Rocket will come in handy.
• A Working Phone Number: This will be used to receive important payment-related messages.

Once you have all this sorted, you’re ready to begin.

How to Register Your Land Holding

The first thing you need to do is register your land holding with the government. You can do this in two ways:

1. Online: Go to the official land service website: land.gov.bd. Enter your land details, NID, and other required info.
2. By Phone: Dial 16122, the government’s land service hotline. A representative will ask for your details and help you register.

After you complete the registration, you’ll receive a holding number via SMS. This number is super important, as you’ll need it when paying the tax.

Getting Your Payment Token

Now that you have your holding number, the next step is getting a payment token. This is a short-lived code that lets you pay through a mobile financial service. You can get it in two ways:

• Call 16122: Provide your holding number, and they’ll send you a token by SMS.
• Online: Log into ldtax.gov.bd and generate the token yourself.

Make sure you use this token within 72 hours, or it will expire, and you’ll need to get a new one.

How to Pay Your Land Tax Online

The easiest way to pay is through bKash, Nagad, or Rocket. Here’s how to do it using bKash:

Using the bKash App:

1. Open the bKash app.
2. Tap "Pay Bill" and select "Government Fee."
3. Choose "Land Development Tax."
4. Enter your payment token number and the amount.
5. Confirm, and you’re done! You’ll get a confirmation SMS.

Using USSD (If You Don’t Have the App):

1. Dial *247# from your phone.
2. Select "Pay Bill."
3. Choose "Government Fee" and then "Land Development Tax."
4. Enter the payment token and the amount.
5. Confirm the payment.

If you’re using Nagad or Rocket, the steps are pretty much the same. Just make sure you have enough balance before you start.

Getting Your Payment Receipt (Dakhila)

Once you’ve paid, you’ll need a receipt (Dakhila) to prove that your payment went through. This is important if you ever need to settle a land dispute or show proof of payment.

You can get the receipt in two ways:

• Online: Log into ldtax.gov.bd and download your receipt from the ‘Dakhila’ section.
• By Phone: Call 16122, and they can send the receipt to your phone.

Your receipt should be available within 72 hours after payment.

Other Ways to Pay Land Tax

If you’re not comfortable paying online, there are a couple of other ways to do it:

• Union Digital Centers (UDC): Visit your nearest UDC office with your NID and land documents. The staff will help you register and make the payment.
• Bank Payments: Some banks offer land tax payment services. For example, Meghna Bank lets customers pay through their online service, MeghnaPay. Learn more here: MeghnaPay - Meghna Bank PLC.

Why Staying Up to Date with Tax Rates Matters

Land tax rates aren’t set in stone. They can change, and so can payment deadlines. To avoid missing out or paying the wrong amount, it’s a good idea to:

• Check the Ministry of Land’s website for updates.
• Follow official Facebook pages for government announcements.
• Subscribe to SMS alerts from the land tax service.

Staying informed saves you from last-minute surprises.

What If You Face Issues While Paying?

Sometimes, things don’t go as smoothly as planned. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

• Payment not going through? Try again after a few minutes. If it still doesn’t work, contact your mobile financial service provider.
• Holding number not received? Call 16122 and check your registration status.
• Land record errors? Visit your local Union Land Office and update your records.

What Happens If You Don’t Pay?

Skipping your land tax payments might not seem like a big deal at first, but it can cause real problems later. Here’s what could happen:

• Fines & Late Fees: The longer you delay, the more you’ll have to pay.
• Legal Issues: Unpaid taxes can lead to ownership disputes, making it harder to sell or transfer your land.
• Government Action: In extreme cases, the government could take action against your property.

It’s always easier to stay on top of things than deal with a mess later.

Final Thoughts

Paying your land tax in Bangladesh doesn’t have to be stressful. Now that everything is online, it’s actually quicker than ever. Whether you choose to pay through bKash, Nagad, Rocket, or a bank, the key is to stay organized and make sure you don’t miss deadlines.

If you haven’t paid your land tax in a while, now’s the time to get it sorted. It’s one less thing to worry about, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing your land is secure.