Direct tax collection for the first quarter of the current fiscal has doubled. This was stated by Union Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha.

The Minister stated that the net direct tax collection in the 1st quarter of FY 2021-2022 is ₹ 2,46,519.82 crore as against ₹ 1,17,783.87 crore during the same period of previous FY 2020-21.

Giving reasons for increase in the tax collections, the Minister stated that it includes revival of economic activities and positive sentiments among taxpayers during this current financial year leading to increased income estimates and higher advance tax payments in the first quarter of the FY 2021-22 as compared to the corresponding period of FY 2020-21.

To the question of direct tax collections in the second quarter of the current  fiscal, the Minister stated that the collection of taxes during second quarter cannot be ascertained for the present as the second quarter has just started

On details of indirect tax collections of the first two quarters of the current  fiscal, the Minister stated that the second quarter of the current fiscal has just started, however the details of Net Indirect Tax (GST and Non-GST) revenue collection in the 1st quarter of FY 2021- 2022 is ₹ 3,11,398 crore.

Stating about Vivad-se-Vishwas Scheme, the Minister said the Government has resolved significant number of pending direct tax disputes amicably with the taxpayers under Vivad-se-Vishwas Scheme, 2020. This was the primary objective of the Scheme as provided in the short title therein ‘An Act to provide for resolution of tax and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto’. The declarations received under the Scheme cover around 28.73% of pending tax disputes. Additional tax revenue received is an additional positive outcome.

On the recovery of economy, the Minister stated that the increased tax collection (Direct & Indirect) as reported in the first quarter of the current financial year as compared to the same period previous financial year shows that the economy is on the recovery path. Higher tax collection would enable Government in increasing public expenditure which would have a positive impact on GDP, the Minister stated.

Direct tax collection growth reflects economic recovery and higher advance tax payments, aided by dispute resolution under Vivad se Vishwas. Direct tax receipts rose markedly in the first fiscal quarter versus the prior year due to revived economic activity, improved taxpayer sentiment and higher advance tax payments; first quarter net indirect tax (GST and non GST) receipts were also reported, while second quarter collections remained unascertained. The Vivad se Vishwas Scheme, 2020 facilitated amicable resolution of a substantial share of pending direct tax disputes (about 28.73%), producing additional tax revenue and contributing to increased tax mobilization.