Sanchayapatra feels simple: buy certificate, receive profit, get principal back. But after every budget, four different things can move — and only one of them is the headline rate.
1. Profit rate
The profit rate is the number most people notice first. It can differ by certificate type:
- 5-year Bangladesh Sanchayapatra
- 3-monthly profit-bearing Sanchayapatra
- Family Sanchayapatra
- Pensioner Sanchayapatra
It can also depend on purchase date. A new rate may apply to newly issued certificates, while older certificates can follow the rule in force when they were purchased. Always check the exact circular and your issue date.
2. Source tax on profit
Source tax is deducted from profit before the money reaches you. The common practical rule is:
- Total Sanchayapatra investment ৳5,00,000 or less -> 5% source tax on profit
- Total Sanchayapatra investment above ৳5,00,000 -> 10% source tax on profit
This is a flat rate on profit, decided by total investment. It is not "5% on the first 5 lakh of profit and 10% on the rest."
Pensioner Sanchayapatra is generally treated differently and may be exempt subject to conditions, so do not copy the normal rule without checking eligibility.
3. Investment limit
Sanchayapatra has product-level and investor-level purchase limits. A budget or circular can change how much one person can hold, who can buy, and which type is available to which investor.
This matters because the source-tax threshold looks at total investment, not just one certificate. If you own multiple certificates, combine them before deciding whether the 5% or 10% rate applies.
4. Income-tax rebate treatment
Sanchayapatra investment can help with personal income-tax rebate, but rebate is capped. The general rebate formula is the lowest of:
- 15% of permitted investment
- 3% of taxable income
- ৳10,00,000
So Sanchayapatra can reduce your final income tax, but only within the rebate limit. If your rebate cap is already reached through DPS, life insurance or provident fund, buying more Sanchayapatra may not reduce tax further.
The mistake to avoid
Do not compare Sanchayapatra and FDR using only the gross rate.
Compare:
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Gross profit | Headline return before tax |
| Source tax | Deducted before payout |
| Payout timing | Monthly, quarterly or maturity |
| Rebate benefit | May reduce annual income tax |
| Liquidity | Early encashment can change return |
Try it yourself
Use the Sanchayapatra Calculator for payout and source-tax estimates. If you are comparing with a bank product, use FDR too and compare the net result.
Sources checked
- PwC Bangladesh — Individual deductions
- PwC Bangladesh — Corporate withholding taxes
- PwC Bangladesh — Key Budget Amendments 2025 PDF
General guidance only, not investment or tax advice. Confirm current Sanchayapatra rates, limits and source-tax treatment with the National Savings Bureau, NBR or your issuing bank/post office.