VAT has increased revenue: Kerala FM

Tax collection in Kerala has increased by about Rs 15 crore in April 2005, the first month under the value added tax (VAT) regime when compared to the corresponding month of the previous year, state finance minister Vakkom Purushothaman said today.

"The total tax collected in the month was Rs 118.04 crore. The increase is a clear indication that traders in the state were co-operating with the new tax regime," Purushothaman said.

The last date for registration by traders under VAT has been extended from April 30 to May 15. The tax system has become more transparent and corruption-free, he added.