<h1>Direct Tax Collections in 2008-09 Hit Rs.338,212 Crore, Up 8.33%; Corporate Tax Up 10.84%, Personal Income Tax Up 4.26.</h1> Net direct tax collections in the fiscal year 2008-09 reached Rs.338,212 crore, marking an 8.33% increase from the previous year. Corporate tax collections grew by 10.84%, while Personal Income Tax, including various components, rose by 4.26%. Fringe Benefit Tax increased by 12.38%, though Securities Transaction Tax fell by 36.95%. Despite economic challenges, direct tax collections exceeded the previous year by Rs.26,000 crore. Tax deducted at source also saw significant growth. Direct tax as a percentage of GDP was 6.23%, with the cost of collection remaining low at 0.66%. Direct taxes contributed over 55% of central tax revenues.