Tuesday, February 1 2005 12:44 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Reflecting buoyancy in revenue sector, the Centre's gross tax collection grew by over 18 per cent to Rs 1,94,231 crore in the first nine months of this fiscal mainly due to robust growth in direct tax mop-up.

The gross tax collection improved from Rs 1,64,170 crore during April-December 2003-04 with corporation tax, income tax and customs duties posting double-digit growth during the nine-month period, according to the figures collated by Controller General of Accounts.

Government has estimated a net tax mop up of Rs 2,33,906 crore for this fiscal. The tax mop-up in December alone increased by 12.5 per cent to Rs 39,365 crore compared to Rs 34,985 crore during the corresponding period last fiscal. Corporation tax receipts grew by a handsome 30 per cent to Rs 49,697 crore till December 2004 from Rs 38,216 crore in December 2003 in tune with improved performance of India Inc.

Income Tax collection was up by 21 per cent at Rs 31,873 crore in the first nine months of 2004-05.

On the indirect tax front, customs collections rose by about 13.5 per cent to Rs 41,265 crore during the period under review.

Excise duty mop up was Rs 61,837 crore till December this fiscal, which is 9.5 per cent higher than Rs 56,499 crore in the same period last fiscal.