IT arrears of Rs 2,48,927 crore: Finmin

New Delhi, Feb 22 (PTI) The total income tax arrears inthe country stood at Rs 2,48,927 crore on April 1, 2010, andthe Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) is tasked to monitorall outstanding dues of above Rs 10 crore, Parliament wasinformed today.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of Statefor Finance S S Palanimanickam said the total outstandingarrears which stood at Rs 2,13,646 crore as on April 1, 2009,further increased to Rs 2,48,927 crore at the start of thecurrent fiscal.

The minister, however, said the department of Revenue doesnot maintain database of income tax dues of personsengaged in particular professions like theatre or TVpersonalities.

Palanimanickam said that besides statutory measures forrecovery of outstanding tax, the CBDT also monitors caseswhere arrears are above Rs 10 crore.

"Assessing officers have been directed to focus on therecovery of outstanding demand specifically during the lastquarter of a (any) financial year," the minister said, addingthe concerned authorities have been asked to sort out appealsearly on cases involving substantial amounts.