KARACHI: Sindh collected Rs4 billion as sales tax in December, a rise of 33.4 per cent compared to the same month of 2013, according to a press release.

In the six months to December, collection by the Sindh Revenue Board (SRB) grew by 20pc to Rs21.34bn from Rs17.815bn in July-December 2013.

This total collection escalated despite reduction of 1pc sales tax on services rate from 16pc to 15pc, and allowing an input adjustment of 17pc federal sales tax on goods, and just utilising 1/3 of its expenditure budget.

Previous figures show that the collection is on a gradual rise. The SRB collected Rs18.28bn in FY11, Rs25.01bn in FY12, Rs33.65bn in FY13, Rs 42.48bn in FY14. The provincial tax body aims to raise tax receipts to Rs100bn by FY17.

Published in Dawn, January 2nd, 2015