<h1>Net direct tax collection drops 1.34% to Rs 5.63 lakh crore as refunds surge 38%</h1> Net direct tax collection decreased 1.34% to Rs 5.63 lakh crore during April-July 2025 compared to the previous year, primarily due to higher refunds. Corporate tax collection reached Rs 2 lakh crore while non-corporate tax stood at Rs 3.45 lakh crore. Securities transaction tax generated Rs 17,874 crore. Net refunds surged 38% to Rs 1.02 lakh crore. Gross collections before refunds grew 3.17% to Rs 6.65 lakh crore. The government projects total direct tax collections of Rs 25.20 lakh crore for the fiscal year.