According to a top IT official on Thursday, the income tax agency collected approximately Rs 20,000 crore from Jharkhand and Bihar in 2025–2026. When both states were combined, MS Dhoni, the former captain of the Indian cricket team, was the highest individual taxpayer.

"The total collection from Bihar and Jharkhand during the financial year of 2025-26 was around Rs 20,000 crore, of which Rs 12,000 crore was collected only from Jharkhand," Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax (Bihar-Jharkhand) Dr. D. Sudhakara Rao said while addressing media persons.

Around 70 per cent of the total collection received through tax deduction at source (TDS), he said.

“MS Dhoni was the highest individual taxpayer, combining Bihar and Jharkhand, during the previous financial year,” Rao added.

Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), and CMPDI were among the highest taxpayers among corporates.

"During the previous financial year, the mining activity was a bit affected due to heavy rains, which impacted the collection. We hope to exceed the Rs 20,000 crore mark in tax collection during the current financial year," Rao said.

Only 40 lakhs of the approximately 5.5 crore PAN card users in Bihar and Jharkhand file returns, he continued.

Rao met with the IT officers earlier to discuss the new Income Tax Act, 2025, which will replace the six-decade-old Income Tax Act, 1961, on April 1. The gathering was attended by around 100 officials from both states.

"The new act marks a shift towards greater clarity and ease of compliance through simple language, a streamlined structure, and a reader-friendly presentation without altering the underlying tax policy," Rao said.

(PTI inputs)