Income tax return proof will also be required for UP chairman elections

From now on, candidates for the post of chairman in the Union Parishad (UP) elections will have to show proof of annual income tax return (PSR). Without proof of return submission, candidates cannot participate in the chairman election.

This new obligation has been added in the proposed budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Earlier, there was a rule that candidates for the National Assembly, City Corporation, Municipality, Upazila and District Council elections had to show proof of income tax return submission.

Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has announced that the elections will be held in stages from September or October after the monsoon season of this year, according to the government's plan for local government elections.

He said that there is a plan to complete the elections for Union Parishad, Municipality, Upazila, District Council and City Corporation within the next one year.

In addition, under the new rules, income tax return submission proof will also be required for various services including change of ownership of land, flats and buildings, mutation.

Currently, it is mandatory to show proof of income tax return filing to avail 39 types of government and private services. These include taking loans, renewing trade licenses, business licenses, various registrations, vehicle-related services, and participating in elections.

If the new rules come into effect, it will further strengthen the issue of bringing chairman candidates participating in local government elections under the income tax system.