NEW DELHI, Dec. 19 -- The central government's direct tax revenue collection, after adjusting for refunds, stood at Rs.17 trillion in the April to mid-December period, rising 8% year-on-year, official data showed. The growth was slower than the 13% increase projected, as tax rate relief granted to individuals moderated revenue growth from personal income taxes.

Data released by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on Friday showed that tax receipts from corporations and individuals between 1 April and 17 December accounted for about two-thirds of the full-year target of Rs.25.2 trillion.

Companies paid a little over Rs.8.17 trillion during the period after adjusting for refunds, registering a 10.5% increase year-on-year, in line wit...