Have Gross Direct Tax Collections Increased by 4.9% to Rs 5.45 Lakh Crore While Refunds Surge by 58%?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Gross direct tax collection increased by 4.86% to Rs 5.45 lakh crore.
- Net collections fell 1.39% to Rs 4,58,822 crore.
- Refunds rose by 58.04% to Rs 86,385 crore.
- Corporate tax grew by 5.68%.
- New 'e-Pay Tax' feature aims to streamline tax processes.
New Delhi, June 21 (NationPress) The total gross direct tax revenue (including corporate tax, non-corporate tax, securities transaction tax, and other charges) for the fiscal year 2025-26 has increased by 4.86%, reaching Rs 5.45 lakh crore as of June 19, based on the latest data from the Income Tax (I-T) department.
Nevertheless, net collections experienced a slight dip due to an increase in refunds. The net direct tax collection fell by 1.39% to Rs 4,58,822 crore from Rs 4,65,275 crore reported the previous year.
The government has issued direct tax refunds totaling Rs 86,385 crore by June 19, reflecting a rise of 58.04% compared to the same period in 2024-25, according to official statistics.
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) indicates that net direct tax revenue includes corporate tax at Rs 1.72 lakh crore (post-refund), non-corporate tax at Rs 2.72 lakh crore, and securities transaction tax at Rs 13,013 crore (after refunds).
While non-corporate tax collection declined by 2.68% in advance tax, corporate tax recorded a growth of 5.68%. Overall, advance tax collections rose by 3.87% to Rs 1,55,533 crore.
Direct taxes, levied on an individual’s income or profit, are directly remitted to the government.
The I-T department has recently introduced the 'e-Pay Tax' feature, designed to streamline tax-related processes for taxpayers. The Union Budget has also proposed a significant overhaul of the Income-tax Act, 1961, aimed at enhancing transparency.
In the meantime, India's gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue for May 2025 hit Rs 2.01 lakh crore, representing a 16.4% increase compared to the Rs 1.72 lakh crore collected in May 2024.
This marks the second consecutive month that GST revenues have surpassed the Rs 2 lakh crore threshold, indicating robust economic activity and consistent growth in consumption. In April, GST collections peaked at an all-time high of Rs 2.37 lakh crore, a 13% rise from March, according to data from the Ministry of Finance.