ISLAMABAD, Nov 5: The Central Board of Revenue (CBR) has paid Rs25.2 billion refund/rebate to exporters during the first four months (July-Oct) of 2002-03 against Rs23.1 billion the same period last year, an increase of 9 per cent.

Official figures on Tuesday showed that the tax authorities have refunded Rs16.5 billion under the head of sales tax during July-Oct against Rs14.1 billion the same period last year, up by 17 per cent. It paid Rs8.7 billion rebate to exporters during the same period against Rs9 billion, a decrease of 3.33 per cent.

On monthly basis, CBR paid Rs5.2 billion rebate/refund in the month of October against Rs4.7 billion the same month last year, an increase of 10.6 per cent.

Further break up showed, the board paid Rs3 billion under the head of sales tax in October against Rs2.3 billion, showing an increase of 30 per cent.

The tax authorities paid out Rs2.2 billion rebate under the head of customs in October against Rs2.4 billion over the previous month, showing a decrease of 8.33 per cent.