New Delhi, June 21 -- India's gross direct tax collections for the financial year 2025-26 rose by 4.86 per cent to about Rs 5.45 lakh crore as of June 19, compared to about Rs 5.19 lakh crore collected during the same period last year, according to data released by the Income Tax Department.

However, net direct tax collections saw a marginal decline of 1.39 per cent, dropping to Rs 4.59 lakh crore. The fall is primarily attributed to a sharp 58 per cent jump in refunds issued, reflecting faster processing and improved taxpayer services.

Advance tax collections during the period stood at Rs 1.56 lakh crore, registering a growth of 3.87 per cent. This was led by a 5.86 per cent increase in corporate advance tax payments, even as collectio...