GUWAHATI: The number of people filing Income Tax (I-T) returns has shot up in Assam, indicating a good sign for the state's economic growth.
According to official sources, the number of people filing income tax returns was 3.5 lakh in 2016-17. It has risen to 8.16 lakh in 2022-2023, including over three lakh salaried government employees. According to sources, such a growth in the number of income tax returnees in a state like Assam is a good sign that indicates that the people of the state are doing away with the mentality of tax evasion.
"It is a fair indication of the widening tax base. The I-T Department appreciates tax payers and tax professionals for making compliance in time, leading to a surge in the filing of I-T returns," an official said.
In 2016-17, the direct tax collection in Assam was Rs 4,709 crore, and the amount rose to Rs 6,500 crore in 2022-23.
According to sources, a campaign on social media, along with targeted emails and SMS campaigns, was launched to encourage tax payers to file their I-T returns. The campaign has its effects on people who are new to filing I-T returns.
According to sources, apart from direct tax collection, the state has witnessed a surge in GST collection as well. The GST collection in 2016-17 was Rs 4,078 crore, and the amount rose to Rs 11,884 crore in 2022-23.
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