Bangladesh’s tax and customs landscape is complex, ever-evolving, and deeply tied to the country’s growing trade and investment sectors. Businesses operating locally or cross-border must navigate an intricate web of laws, regulatory notices, and compliance requirements — from VAT registration to customs audits and transfer-pricing disputes.
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This is where Dewey & LeBoeuf, a global law firm with a strong presence in Bangladesh and across the Middle East, stands apart. We are widely recognized as one of the best VAT, Tax, and Customs law firms in Bangladesh, serving both multinational corporations and local enterprises with precision, integrity, and proven results.
Why Dewey & LeBoeuf Is Recognized as the Best Tax and Customs Law Firm
At Dewey & LeBoeuf, we blend global tax intelligence with deep local understanding. Our team of international tax lawyers and Bangladeshi legal professionals deliver practical solutions across every aspect of tax law — direct, indirect, and customs.
We advise some of Bangladesh’s largest industrial groups, foreign investors, and international NGOs on strategic tax planning, dispute resolution, and compliance management. What sets us apart is our ability to deliver one-stop cross-border legal and fiscal solutions, enabling businesses to operate confidently under the law.
Our legal experts are known for:
- Extensive experience with National Board of Revenue (NBR) regulations.
- Successful representation before Customs, VAT, and Appellate Tribunals.
- Strong relationships with regulatory authorities for faster resolution.
- Comprehensive understanding of international trade law and double taxation treaties.
Our Core Practice Areas
1. VAT (Value Added Tax) Advisory and Compliance
VAT in Bangladesh is governed by the Value Added Tax and Supplementary Duty Act 2012, which requires every business above a threshold to register, charge VAT, maintain proper records, and file returns regularly.
Our VAT services include:
- VAT registration and restructuring of entities.
- Reviewing supply chain to ensure correct VAT application.
- Advising on input credit and rebate mechanisms.
- Drafting and reviewing VAT documentation and contracts.
- Representation in VAT audits and appeals before authorities.
We work closely with corporate clients to ensure their VAT planning aligns with operational realities, helping them reduce unnecessary liabilities and penalties.
2. Corporate and Income Tax Services
The Income Tax Ordinance 1984 remains the backbone of Bangladesh’s direct tax system. From corporate tax returns to transfer pricing and double taxation issues, compliance demands both strategy and accuracy.
Our lawyers and chartered tax professionals assist in:
- Corporate tax registration and filing of annual returns.
- Structuring business operations to optimize tax efficiency.
- Managing transfer-pricing documentation for multinational companies.
- Advising on double taxation avoidance treaties (DTAs).
- Representing clients before tax tribunals and appellate bodies.
We have successfully handled several high-profile tax disputes on behalf of leading industrial groups, ensuring lawful savings and reputational security for our clients.
3. Customs and International Trade Law
Bangladesh’s customs laws are governed primarily by the Customs Act 1969, along with numerous SROs, tariff schedules, and import/export control regulations.
Our customs law practice includes:
- Classification and valuation of imported goods.
- Assistance in customs duty assessments and exemptions.
- Handling seizure, show-cause, and adjudication matters.
- Representation in customs appellate tribunals and High Court Division.
- Advising on export incentives, bonded warehouse issues, and free-trade zone regulations.
For global traders and manufacturers, our customs advisory ensures smooth operations, predictable costs, and complete compliance with local and international standards.
4. Indirect Tax and Regulatory Consulting
Apart from VAT and customs, businesses in Bangladesh also face supplementary duties, excise, and regulatory surcharges. We advise on all related indirect taxes affecting trade, energy, telecom, and manufacturing sectors.
Our lawyers frequently assist clients with:
- Regulatory license-linked tax requirements.
- Industry-specific duties and exemptions.
- Risk management and internal audit review.
- Tax technology and digital record-keeping systems.
5. Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Tax and customs disputes can halt operations, affect reputation, and drain resources. Our litigation team combines in-depth legal research with strategic negotiation to secure favorable outcomes.
We have represented clients before:
- Appellate authorities and tax tribunals.
- VAT and Customs Appellate Tribunals.
- The Honorable High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh.
Our success rate in dispute resolution and appeals is one of the highest among law firms handling revenue matters in the country.
Our Approach to Tax and Customs Legal Services
At Dewey & LeBoeuf, our philosophy is simple: clarity, compliance, and confidence. We ensure that every client receives actionable advice that directly supports their business goals.
Here’s how we work:
- Assessment – We begin with a full compliance and exposure review.
- Strategy – We design a legal-tax structure aligned with your operations.
- Execution – Our team handles registration, filing, and document preparation.
- Representation – We stand by you in front of tax authorities and courts.
- Ongoing Support – Continuous updates on new SROs, NBR circulars, and amendments.
This end-to-end process gives businesses peace of mind that every regulatory requirement is handled by professionals who know the system inside out.
Why Businesses Choose Dewey & LeBoeuf
- Global Expertise with Local Insight: We bring international tax law knowledge and tailor it to the Bangladeshi context.
- Proven Track Record: Trusted by top corporations, financial institutions, and foreign investors.
- End-to-End Service: From registration to litigation — all handled under one roof.
- Client-Centric Approach: We prioritize practical, outcome-driven legal solutions.
- Confidentiality and Ethics: Your business data and tax strategy remain fully protected.
Industries We Serve
- Banking and Finance
- Energy and Infrastructure
- Manufacturing and FMCG
- Telecom and Technology
- Import-Export and Logistics
- E-commerce and Digital Startups
- NGOs and Development Projects
Whether you are a multinational entering Bangladesh or a growing local enterprise, our team can ensure that your tax, VAT, and customs matters are handled with professionalism and precision.
Key Highlights of Our Tax Practice
- Corporate Tax Restructuring: Helping businesses reorganize ownership to minimize tax exposure legally.
- Cross-Border Planning: Advising foreign entities investing in Bangladesh on withholding taxes and repatriation.
- Customs Exemptions: Assisting exporters and manufacturers in claiming duty drawbacks and exemptions.
- Tax Due Diligence: Supporting mergers and acquisitions through comprehensive fiscal reviews.
- Regulatory Representation: Engaging with NBR, Customs Intelligence, and VAT Departments on behalf of clients.
Our Commitment to Compliance and Innovation
Tax law in Bangladesh is dynamic — frequent SROs, policy shifts, and digitization by NBR have made compliance both critical and complex. Dewey & LeBoeuf remains at the forefront of this change.
We leverage technology-driven compliance systems, data-driven audits, and AI-supported document management to provide faster, more accurate legal services. Our approach ensures that clients not only meet their legal obligations but also stay ahead of evolving policy landscapes.
How Dewey & LeBoeuf Supports International Businesses
For foreign companies doing business in Bangladesh, our team provides cross-border tax planning that aligns with both Bangladeshi law and home-country regulations.
We help investors with:
- Establishing legal entities and tax registration.
- Understanding withholding tax implications on dividends and royalties.
- Structuring joint ventures to avoid double taxation.
- Ensuring customs compliance for imports and exports.
- Managing cross-border disputes involving tax authorities.
Our Dubai-based international desk coordinates directly with our Bangladesh practice to provide smooth communication and efficient execution for Middle Eastern and South Asian clients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes Dewey & LeBoeuf the best VAT, Tax & Customs law firm in Bangladesh?
Our combination of global experience, local expertise, and proven results across industries positions us as the leading law firm for tax and customs matters. We handle both advisory and litigation under one roof, ensuring seamless service for clients.
Can Dewey & LeBoeuf represent my company before the National Board of Revenue (NBR)?
Yes. Our lawyers frequently appear before NBR, VAT, and Customs authorities, handling audits, appeals, and legal notices with professional advocacy.
Does the firm assist with international tax and double taxation agreements?
Absolutely. We advise foreign companies and Bangladeshi entities on DTAs, withholding taxes, and cross-border restructuring to prevent double taxation and ensure global compliance.
How can I reduce VAT or customs penalties for my business?
Through proactive compliance, internal audits, and legal representation, our experts help clients identify and mitigate potential violations before they result in penalties or enforcement.
What industries does Dewey & LeBoeuf specialize in for tax matters?
We work across all major sectors, including manufacturing, energy, telecom, finance, logistics, and technology — offering specialized legal solutions for each industry’s unique tax challenges.
Why You Should Choose Dewey & LeBoeuf Today
Whether you are facing a VAT audit, seeking a customs exemption, or planning a corporate restructuring, the consequences of errors or delays can be costly. Working with the best VAT, Tax & Customs law firm in Bangladesh ensures that every step of your legal and compliance process is handled with accuracy and foresight.
At Dewey & LeBoeuf, we don’t just interpret the law — we help you use it strategically to achieve your business objectives. Our international expertise, reputation for excellence, and proven track record make us the trusted partner for businesses across Bangladesh and beyond.
For professional tax, VAT, or customs advisory services, contact our global legal team. We provide dedicated support for corporations, exporters, and investors looking to ensure total compliance and sustainable growth in Bangladesh’s dynamic economy.
Schedule a consultation today to discuss your tax or customs issues with our experts — and let us build the right legal strategy for your success.
E-mail: info@deweyleboeuf.com
Phone: +971 58 690 9684
Address: 26B Street, Mirdif, Dubai, UAE