The net tax collection after providing for states share also shot up by 21 per cent at Rs 1,88,627 crore (Rs 1886.27 till January) according to data released by Controller General of Accounts.

Among direct taxes, Corporation Tax collection went up by 20.5 per cent to Rs 65,380 crore (Rs 653.80 billion) in the first 10 months of 2005-06, reflecting improved earnings by corporates. However, January's corporate tax collection was only Rs 4,923 crore (Rs 49.23 billion).

Better enforcement and compliance saw income tax mop up grow by 24.5 per cent at Rs 39,933 crore (Rs 399.33 billion) till January.

In case of indirect taxes, customs duty receipts grew by 14.8 per cent to Rs 52,865 crore (Rs 528.65 billion) mainly due to increase in import of petroleum products and capital goods.

Despite increase in industrial activity, excise duty collection grew by 10 per cent to Rs 76,805 crore (Rs 768.05 billion).

Other taxes mainly service tax collection doubled to Rs 22,575 crore (Rs 225.75 billion) due to spurt in earnings of telecom, financial services, IT and IT-enabled services companies.

Out of the gross tax collection, the Centre passed on Rs 67,910 crore (Rs 679.10 billion) to the states as part of their share in revenue till January.