India’s direct tax collections after refunds rose 16.4% year-on-year to Rs 6.51 lakh crore during April 1-July 13, data released by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on Tuesday showed. The government has already achieved 24.1% of the budgeted direct tax collections target of Rs 26.97 lakh crore for 2026-27 (Apr-Mar). The pace of collections so far has exceeded the 11.4% growth projected in the Budget for FY27. Corporate tax collections led the rise in direct taxes, growing 22% year-on-year to Rs 2.40 lakh crore after refunds. The Budget had projected corporate tax collections to grow 11% to Rs 12.31 lakh crore in FY27.