Baku, Azerbaijan, July 30
By Umid Niayesh - Trend:
Iran's tax revenues stood at 187 trillion rials (some $7.19 billion based on official rate of 26,000 rials per each USD) during the 4-month period from March 21, which indicates a rise by 48 percent compared to the same period of the preceding year.
It should be noted that Iran's fiscal year starts on March 21.
The country's value-added tax (VAT) incomes stood at about 68 trillion rials (approximately $2.61 billion) during the mentioned period, 80 percent more compared to the 4-month period of last year, head of Iran's tax organization, Ali Askari said, the country's Fars news agency reported on July 25.
Incomes via direct taxes was also about 118 trillion rials during the period, Askari said, adding that the figure indicate a rise by 34 percent in comparison with the same period of last year.
Iran's tax revenues (660 trillion rials or $21.29 billion) account for 34 percent of the country's total budget in the current fiscal year, which is 18 percent more than the previous year.
However, Askari said last December that realization of the figure will be difficult considering the current taxation processes.
About 25 percent of the Iran's overall economy does not pay taxes, Askari said, adding that tax evasion is the main problem of the country's taxation system.
Earlier Iranian Economy Minister Ali Tayyebnia said that tax evasion in the country should be dealt with.
"We are planning to increase tax incomes, not through raising charges, but through preventing tax evasion," Tayyebnia added.
"The goal will be achieved through establishing a comprehensive databank on tax affairs," the minister said.