VAT, Tax & Customs Law Firm in Bangladesh | Leading Tax & Customs Lawyers

VAT, Tax & Customs

Navigating VAT, tax, and customs regulations in Bangladesh is not just complex—it is unforgiving. One mistake can trigger audits, penalties, shipment delays, frozen bank accounts, or long-running disputes with the National Board of Revenue (NBR). At Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP, our VAT, Tax & Customs lawyers in Bangladesh provide end-to-end legal and strategic support to businesses operating locally and internationally.

 

As a leading tax law firm in Bangladesh, we advise corporations, startups, exporters, importers, manufacturers, and foreign investors on compliance, risk mitigation, dispute resolution, and cross-border tax structuring. Our lawyers combine deep regulatory knowledge, hands-on experience with tax authorities, and a commercially practical approach that protects your business—not just your paperwork.

 

Bangladesh’s tax regime continues to evolve with frequent changes to VAT rates, SROs, customs valuation rules, income tax provisions, and transfer pricing regulations. Businesses that rely on accountants alone often end up exposed. That is where experienced tax lawyers and customs law firm support become critical.

 

Our firm regularly represents clients before:

 

Whether you need VAT registration, customs dispute resolution, tax litigation, or strategic tax advisory, Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP delivers precise, compliant, and defensible solutions.

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“Smart tax planning isn’t about avoiding tax—it’s about protecting your business from unnecessary risk, penalties, and regulatory chaos.”

Bangladesh’s VAT regime under the VAT & SD Act, 2012 is one of the most aggressively enforced regulatory frameworks. Errors in registration, classification, or returns can lead to audits, backdated liabilities, and operational disruption. Our VAT lawyers in Bangladesh help businesses stay compliant while minimizing exposure.

 

As a specialized VAT law firm, we assist with:

  • VAT registration and enlistment

  • BIN corrections and restructuring

  • VAT return preparation and review

  • Input tax credit optimization

  • Product and service VAT classification

  • Advance rulings and regulatory opinions

  • VAT audit defense and assessments

 

We don’t just file documents—we analyze your business model. Many companies overpay VAT simply because no one challenges incorrect classifications or applies exemptions properly. Our lawyers identify lawful optimization opportunities while ensuring full compliance with NBR guidelines.

VAT Registration, Compliance & Advisory Services

Foreign companies, digital service providers, and cross-border suppliers face additional VAT risks. We help international clients understand withholding VAT, reverse charge mechanisms, and compliance obligations when operating or selling into Bangladesh.

 

If your business is scaling, undergoing restructuring, or entering new product lines, early VAT advisory can save millions in future liabilities. That’s why leading companies choose a VAT-focused law firm instead of generic consultants.

Tax disputes in Bangladesh escalate fast—and once they do, weak handling can cripple your business. Our tax lawyers in Bangladesh represent clients at every stage of dispute resolution, from audit objections to appellate litigation.

 

As a seasoned tax law firm, we handle:

  • Income tax disputes and assessments

  • VAT demand notices and penalties

  • Appeals before Commissioner (Appeals)

  • Tribunal and High Court representation

  • Transfer pricing disputes

  • Tax fraud and investigation defense

 

We approach disputes strategically. Sometimes litigation is necessary. Other times, negotiated settlements or rectification applications are smarter and faster. Our lawyers evaluate risk, precedent, and commercial impact before recommending action.

Tax Dispute Resolution & Litigation

Our firm has extensive experience dealing with:

  • Arbitrary assessments

  • Disallowed expenses and tax adjustments

  • Withholding tax disputes

  • Retrospective VAT claims

  • Penalty and interest challenges

 

Businesses trust Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP because we combine technical tax law mastery with courtroom strength. When regulators push beyond legal boundaries, we push back—firmly and effectively.

Customs disputes can bring your supply chain to a halt. Incorrect HS codes, valuation disputes, or compliance gaps often lead to detention of goods, fines, or blacklisting. Our customs lawyers in Bangladesh protect importers and exporters from regulatory shocks.

 

As a full-service customs law firm, we provide:

  • Customs valuation and HS classification advisory

  • Import–export compliance audits

  • Customs duty exemption analysis

  • Bonded warehouse and EPZ advisory

  • Customs dispute representation

  • Anti-smuggling and investigation defense

Customs Law, Import–Export & Trade Compliance

We regularly advise manufacturers, trading companies, logistics providers, and multinational firms on customs risk management. Our lawyers work closely with customs authorities to resolve issues efficiently while preserving your commercial timelines.

 

For exporters, especially in RMG and manufacturing sectors, compliance failures can result in incentive clawbacks and reputational damage. We help businesses align customs procedures with VAT, income tax, and trade regulations to ensure end-to-end compliance.

Transfer pricing is one of the highest-risk tax areas for multinational companies operating in Bangladesh. The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has become far more aggressive in scrutinizing related-party transactions, management fees, royalty payments, intercompany loans, and cross-border service arrangements. If your transfer pricing documentation is sloppy or accountant-driven, you are exposed.

 

Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP acts as a trusted transfer pricing law firm in Bangladesh, advising multinational groups, foreign-owned subsidiaries, and regional headquarters on legally defensible international tax structures. Our tax lawyers work alongside financial experts to ensure your transfer pricing policies comply with Bangladesh Income Tax Ordinance, OECD guidelines, and global best practices.

 

Our services include:

  • Transfer pricing policy design and review

  • Benchmarking and economic analysis support

  • Preparation and review of transfer pricing documentation

  • Advance pricing strategy and risk assessment

  • Defense against transfer pricing audits and adjustments

  • Representation before tax authorities and appellate forums

 

Unlike consulting firms, we approach transfer pricing from a legal-risk perspective, not just a documentation exercise. Many businesses fail audits not because numbers are wrong, but because contracts, substance, and legal positioning are weak. Our lawyers ensure your intercompany agreements, pricing logic, and operational reality align.

Transfer Pricing & International Tax Advisory

We also advise on withholding tax implications, permanent establishment risks, and cross-border service taxation—areas frequently overlooked until penalties hit. For foreign companies providing services into Bangladesh, improper structuring can trigger unexpected tax exposure.

 

As an international tax law firm, Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP helps clients balance compliance with commercial efficiency. The goal is not aggressive tax avoidance—it is audit-proof, regulator-ready tax planning that stands up under scrutiny.

 

If your business operates across borders, transfer pricing is not optional. It is a legal necessity that demands experienced international tax lawyers, not templates.

Tax planning done wrong attracts audits. Tax planning done right protects growth. At Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP, our tax lawyers in Bangladesh provide strategic tax structuring advice aligned with business objectives, regulatory expectations, and long-term sustainability.

 

As a full-service tax law firm, we advise startups, SMEs, large corporations, and foreign investors on structuring transactions, investments, and operations in a tax-efficient yet compliant manner. Our lawyers work closely with founders, CFOs, and boards to anticipate tax consequences before decisions are executed, not after problems arise.

 

Our tax structuring services include:

  • Business setup and entity structuring

  • M&A and investment tax advisory

  • Restructuring and group reorganization

  • Sector-specific tax incentives and exemptions

  • Regulatory opinions and advance rulings

  • Risk assessment for new business models

 

Bangladesh offers tax incentives across manufacturing, export-oriented industries, EPZs, and priority sectors—but most businesses fail to access them due to poor legal planning. Our law firm identifies lawful incentives, reduced rates, and exemptions while ensuring documentation and compliance are airtight.

Tax Structuring, Planning & Regulatory Advisory

For startups and growing companies, early-stage tax structuring is critical. Poor decisions at incorporation often lead to double taxation, blocked profit repatriation, or investor concerns later. Our lawyers help businesses structure correctly from day one.

 

We also advise on:

  • Dividend taxation and profit repatriation

  • Withholding tax planning

  • Regulatory compliance with NBR circulars and SROs

  • Risk exposure from informal practices

 

What separates Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP from typical advisors is simple: we plan for enforcement, not assumptions. Every strategy we design is built to survive audits, investigations, and litigation if needed.

 

If your business is expanding, restructuring, or attracting investment, working with a tax-focused law firm is not a luxury—it is protection.

Industries We Serve​

Artificial Intelligence

Consumer Products

Energy

Healthcare & Life Sciences

Industrials

Technology

Real Estate & Property

Automotive & Mobility

Education & EdTech

Frequently Asked Questions

Accountants handle numbers. Tax lawyers handle legal risk, disputes, and enforcement actions. When penalties, audits, or litigation arise, a law firm is essential.

Yes. Proper classification, exemptions, input tax credit optimization, and advance rulings can legally reduce VAT exposure when handled by experienced lawyers.

It depends on complexity and forum. Early legal strategy can significantly shorten timelines and prevent escalation.

Absolutely. We regularly advise foreign investors, MNCs, and cross-border service providers on Bangladesh VAT, tax, and customs obligations.

Immediate legal action is critical. Our customs lawyers engage authorities, challenge valuation or classification issues, and work to secure release with minimal loss.

WHAT DOES PEOPLE SAY ABOUT US

The team was professional, responsive, and truly cared about my company registration process. Their clear communication and attention to detail made everything far easier than expected. Highly recommended.

Mashraf Aiman CTO, Ennovat

Excellent service from start to finish. The team guided me through the import/export process with clear communication and reliable expertise. They handled all documentation efficiently, making the entire operation smooth and stress-free.

Shah Bayzid CMO, Mayfield

Fantastic experience! The team was knowledgeable, responsive, and guided me through the restaurant property purchase with ease. Their attention to detail and clear communication made the process seamless from start to finish.

Masum Muhammad Founder, Cielo

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