The share of direct taxes in total CBR collection has increased from 18 percent in 1990-1991 to 31 percent in 2005-06. The Economic Survey revealed that the share of indirect taxes declined from 82 to 69 percent during the period under review. Within the indirect taxes, dramatic changes have taken place.
The collection of customs duty was 45 percent of total tax collection and 55 percent of indirect taxes in 1990-91, its share has now been reduced to 20.2 percent and 26 percent, respectively. This is due to the massive tariff rationalisation done during the last few years.
The share of sales tax increased from 14.4 percent to 40 percent of total taxes and from 17.6 percent to 62.5 percent of indirect taxes during the period under review.
The survey said the payment of sales tax refund to the exporters has declined by 30 percent in July-April (2005-06) against the same period last year due to zero-rating of five major export sectors.
Five major export-oriented industries, including textile, leather, carpets, surgical and sports were the major refund claimants. The sales tax at the rate of zero-percent was applicable on inputs/raw materials imported by these sectors to check the misuse of refund facility.
The zero-rating has decreased the volume of sales tax refunds and also improved the cash flow of the exporters. On the other hand, the duty drawback/rebate payment was Rs 15.8 billion in July-April 2005-06, which is 20.4 percent higher against the last year.
According to the survey, the GST has gained importance as one of the major sources of federal tax receipts following government's focus on taxes from income and consumption. It has contributed 41.8 percent of the total net revenue collection during July-April (2005-06). The gross and net sales tax collection were Rs 257.8 billion and Rs 228.5 billion, respectively showing a growth of 9.8 percent and 22.3 percent over the corresponding period last year.