India's net direct tax collections for FY26 reached over Rs 18.38 lakh crore by January 11, an 8.82% increase year-on-year. This growth, driven by a 17% drop in refunds, includes Rs 8.63 lakh crore from corporate taxes and Rs 9.30 lakh crore from non-corporates. Gross collections rose 4.14% to Rs 21.50 lakh crore. While meeting 73% of the annual target, the growth rate is below the Budget's projection, with experts noting concerns about slower growth in gross non-corporate and corporate tax collections.