Net direct tax collections during April 1-September 15 grew just 5% to Rs 4.4 lakh crore, suggesting the government would have to raise more than double this amount over the next six-and-a-half months to meet the Budget estimate of Rs 13.35 lakh crore. For the full year, the Budget has targeted net direct taxes to grow 17.3%.

September 15 is a crucial deadline for direct tax collections as it marks the second — of a total four — instalments for advance tax payment and by when, companies are required to pay 45% of their tax liability. Companies pay 30% and 25% of their liability in the next two installments due December 15 and March 15 respectively.

The government had missed its direct tax targets in the previous financial year by Rs 63,000 crore. In 2018-19, the government had initially estimated direct tax revenue at Rs 11.5 lakh crore, which was revised up to Rs 12 lakh crore. However, the real direct tax receipts for 2018-19 was Rs 11.37 lakh crore.

Following the shortage in direct tax revenue target for 2018-19, the government had reduced the tax targets for the current financial year. Direct tax revenue target has now been pegged at Rs 13.35 lakh crore for the current financial year, Rs 45,000 crore lower than the first estimate of Rs 13.8 lakh crore in the interim Budget presented in February.

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