In the fiscal year 2079/80, the Nepalese government conducted a cost analysis, revealing that it incurred a cost of 3.38 paisa to collect 1000 rupees of internal revenue. This analysis was conducted by the Internal Revenue Department (IRD), which reported a total revenue of Rs 4.79 kharba for the year. The departments and subordinate offices associated with revenue collection spent Rs 1.41 arba on current and capital expenditures. Consequently, the cost of tax collection per thousand rupees for the fiscal year amounted to Rs 3.38. This figure marked an increase from the previous year’s 2.23 paisa. The rise is attributed to the department falling short of its revenue target in the preceding year, achieving only 76.58% of the set goal of Rs 6.26 Kharba.
The overall growth rate of revenue collection for the year was negative by over 10%, primarily influenced by reduced imports and economic relaxation. This decrease in revenue collection exerted pressure on the government’s resource management. Although the target for the fiscal year was set at Rs 14.3 kharba, only Rs 10.10 kharba was collected, representing 72% of the total target.
The Internal Revenue Department underscores that recent technological advancements in the tax system have contributed to a decrease in the cost per thousand. Additionally, the department asserts that administrative improvements, adherence to expenditure frugality standards, and increased taxpayer participation have all played pivotal roles in reducing costs.