The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has directed its zonal income tax heads to keep a close watch on the sectors which recorded a decline in tax payments in the first quarter of this financial year as well as top advance tax payees, along with identifying any incorrect exemptions or deductions, sharpening its focus on risk assessment, sectoral monitoring and taxpayer outreach to bolster revenue collection in the coming quarter. The communication, dated June 16, a copy of which was seen by ET, also mandated each zone to submit a report to the Directorate of Tax Research and Analysis by July 31. "The idea is to identify risks early, engage with large taxpayers proactively and ensure that tax payments are aligned with actual income trends," said a senior official, who did not wish to be identified.