Tax collection short of plan

In the first quarter of 2001, the Tax Ministry transferred AZM594.8 billion in tax to the state budget, or AZM121.9 billion (17%) short of the plan.

A source from the ministry told AssA-Irada Tuesday that the failure to fulfill the plan was, first of all, caused by reduced crude prices in the world market from $30-35 to $23-25 per barrel. The application of simplified taxes in the wake of a new tax code enacted since January 1 took a toll on tax collection too.

Asked whether the removal of commercial kiosks in the capital had affected the tax collection plan, the source declined to reveal any information.*