New Delhi, Nov 23 (PTI) The government today said that tax arrears rose over 18 per cent to Rs 2.93 lakh crore as on March 31, 2010 against the year-ago period.

The direct tax arrears grew over 16 per cent to Rs 2.48 lakh crore as on March 31, 2010 compared to Rs 2.13 lakh crore at the end of 2008-09, Minister of State for Finance S S Palanimanickam said in a written reply to Rajya Sabha.

Direct tax includes income tax, corporate tax, wealth tax, among others.

On the other hand, arrears of indirect tax, which constitutes central excise, customs and service tax, increased to Rs 44,212 crore as on March 31, 2010 as compared to Rs 33,790 crore at the end of 2008-09. Thus, registering a gain of over 30 per cent. Tax arrears rise significantly, reflecting larger outstanding direct and indirect tax liabilities as of March. Increase in tax arrears to Rs 2.93 lakh crore as of March 31, 2010 is reported, with direct tax arrears (income tax, corporate tax, wealth tax) rising over 16 per cent to Rs 2.48 lakh crore and indirect tax arrears (central excise, customs, service tax) increasing over 30 per cent to Rs 44,212 crore.